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| In Empty Lands by Larner | 10 Review(s) |
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| Celeritas | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/22/2009 |
| Lots of little things in this chapter that I loved: Merry's frank and rational analysis of Strider, the intricate discussion of genealogies which must have befuddled Boromir, the differences in humor (very astute for you to include that!), AND all the hobbit gossip! (There's that chair-pasting incident again!!!) This one is, quintessentially, the Boromir-gets-to-know-the-hobbits chapter/story--but you've filled it with enough of your own spirit that it's different from all the others. ~C Author Reply: There must have been things about the Hobbits that drove those with them alternately to distraction and bellows of laughter at times; and the Hobbits must have found themselves baffled as to the sensitivities of the others within the Fellowship at times. Glad you feel I managed to make it unique in spite of the almost universal appeal of such a story. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/19/2009 |
| "Yes, they are, but not as wonderful, I think, as you four.” Well, I would have to agree with that! :) I think a lot of people wish they were as close as these hobbits. Adorable that Frodo said he slew a cloak. Man, he goes through this horrific, terrifying experience in which he nearly entered into a fate worse than death and he says of it, he slew a cloak! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Frodo must have been so grateful so often for the love his kinsmen showed him. And I wish my family were as close. I doubt Frodo ever considered how brave it truly was to raise a weapon at all against any of the Nazgul, and particularly against the Witch-king. For him, as he failed to accomplish anything I suspect he'd ever consider it rather a failure. I find him rather a frustrating soul, at times, so certain he's not accomplished anything of note.! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/17/2009 |
| There was the memory of intense pain in those eyes; the memory of loss. The smooth face spoke of one newly come to adulthood; the eyes spoke of one far more mature than this one seemed. There was humor there, and compassion, and a degree of impatience with those less intelligent than himself. And yet there was patience there also--it was the face of one who had come to terms with himself and knew that all his intentions would come to fruition--or not--when the time was right. Perfect! Once again I find that Frodo was named well: Wise by experience! And I also loved this line: Boromir felt rather intimidated by this one, particularly as he realized this Frodo Baggins was making his own evaluation of Boromir of Gondor. One should never make the mistake to underestimate Frodo Baggins! I liked the hobbits' talk about Shire affairs and the way you wove in many of your stories, you even included good old uncle Isengar again. It becomes clear that Boromir is missing his little brother and that he envies the hobbits for the freedom they experienced while growing up. And apparently he's jeaulous of Aragorn for his friendship with Frodo! That's interesting! Boromir calls Aragorn "the Pretender". What does he mean, I wonder? Does he not accept that Aragorn is Isildur's heir, or is he referring to the many names and disguises he has used so far? Anyway, this is going to be very, very interesting :) Author Reply: Oh, yes, there is no question that Frodo was indeed properly named, even if as yet Boromir is not aware of the translation of that name. And I think he's becoming aware that he inded should not underestimate him--you are definitely right there! Of course my other stories and some of Tolkien's own tales are woven in; and I can't remember if the pearl necklace having been brought home by Isengar came originally from Dreamflower or from Lindelea--I think it was one of those two, but it's a fitting source for it, I'd think! There is a freedom among the Hobbits I think anyone would envy, and particularly one brought up semi-isolated as the Steward's sons undoubtedly were; and as with so many others, I do feel he saw his little brother in part in these. "The Pretender" is a title that has traditionally been given in English to those who would claim the throne before their claims have been proved or accepted; that Boromir might use that title in his mind for Aragorn seems likely. It does not necessarily mean he doubts Aragorn's claim, but neither is he likely to acknowledge him as the King Returning at this point in time. And I do suspect he is envious of Aragorn's bonds with Frodo, sensing that his will not be that close with the Ringbearer; but he's also envious of the love others seem to automatically give Frodo, and the freedom to be himself he imagines Frodo has always known, and probably the clear intelligence and sensitivity that undoubtedly he recognizes as being similar to that of his brother. Thanks so for the feedback! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/16/2009 |
| So the curiosity drew Boromir to the Hobbits to get to know them better? Good. Hm, so the Hobbits noticed the quality of Aragorn’s clothes? Must have been exceptionally then ;) Oh, poor Boromir. I have to admit, when Bilbo mentioned the Old Took, I started to laugh, because I knew what was to come *grin* But it was great that he wanted to get to know them better, and it was certainly interesting to watch them through his eyes and to learn what he thought about them. His impressions were quite accurate, I think. And while he may not have understood all the gossip about Lalia and Lotho, I enjoyed immensely, particularly as I knew the full stories behind it. Had to grin that Boromir wanted to know more about these stories as well. He doesn’t know it yet, but I am sure he’s knowing more about the Hobbits and their extended families and all they did than he ever wanted to know before they even are through Hollin! Knowing how Boromir is missing his family, it is easy to see why he grew so close to Merry and Pippin, who were more open to him than the other two Hobbits. They must have been like younger brothers to him. Lovely chapter, Larner! Author Reply: I do think that the Hobbits must have begun realizing Aragorn had particularly good quality stuff once they saw the kind of roads he frequented, and I suspect their own clothing was nearly in rags once they made Rivendell. As for the genealogies--yes, Bilbo REMAINS a Hobbit still, and one newly reunited with other Hobbits, so I suspect he must have been rehearsing all kinds of family tree info in his head! Boromir was not perhaps as sensitive as his father and brother, but he had to be a fair judge of men in order to do well as Captain-General of Gondor's armies. That he'd find the Hobbits' gossip fascinating just seems so likely, and he'd probably have a fair grasp of each one's personality fairly quickly. And there's no question he'll be a walking encyclopedia about Hobbits before all is said and done--you're right there! And as close as Tolkien indicates Boromir was to his brother, these must have seemed sent by the Creator Himself to help fill Boromir's loneliness. Thanks so, Kitty! | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/16/2009 |
| When at last Frodo left the table Boromir realized he envied the Hobbit for far more than just his role as the Ringbearer. Now there is a new thought for me....that Boromir might covert the Ring for more than just the ability to use it. That he might lust after the Ring just to have the, dubious, pleasure of possessing it over and beyond any dream of actually using it puts me in mind of people who collect or steal art treasures or precious bird eggs. They squirrel them away just for the pleasure of knowing they own them. Frodo obviously doesn't feel this way about the ring but Smeagol did. E.g. he hid the Ring on his island. I think that maybe even Bilbo felt like this but he had the strength of will and Gandalf's support to overcome it. I am not sure that i have made myself clear here but thank you for challenging me to think...yet again. *goes off to ponder on the other Ringbearers..* Author Reply: Actually, I was thinking of the fact Frodo had so many who truly cared what happened to him NOT because he was anyone particularly important in the Shire but simply because they loved him. The one person who felt that way toward Boromir appears to have been Faramir, who could not accompany him. But there's no indication that anyone offered to accompany Boromir, not even any of his men. But the idea that, like Gollum, Boromir might have wanted merely to possess the Ring is indeed a profound one. And with the Ring, it's always a question as to who is possessing whom. Thanks, Harrowcat. Love to your parents and Jet. Am SO far behind in LJ--haven't been able to do much for days! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/16/2009 |
| I love the way you depict how Boromir is drawn to the younger Hobbits,but Frodo has already bonded with Aragorn which is a very plausible explanation for how things eventually work out. Author Reply: I suspect this was much the way of it. Frodo is drawn to the one who also is fated to a special role in the fall of Mordor, while the two youngest seek out someone who isn't "taken," if you will. And they see him as a possible ally in learning how to defend themselves and Frodo. I think they would be very much drawn to one another, and that Boromir would find the Hobbits easier to deal with than the elf and dwarf. So glad you find it plausible. Thanks so, Linda! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/16/2009 |
| And I envy Boromir, sitting at table with five hobbits and listening to their talk... Boromir is a good judge of character. I had more to say, but my brain just went pfitz! Better head off to bed. Lovely chapter, and fun to read all those anecdotes once more! Author Reply: Boromir was Denethor's son as well as Imrahil's nephew--I'd think he'd be a pretty good judge of character, even if he wasn't as sensitive as his father and brother to nuances and motivations. And I think that this easy chatter of the inconsequential must have been fascinating to him, even as he began seeing how concerned as to the more serious concerns they have regarding this proposed trip to Mordor. My brain has been going pfitz as well, so don't feel like the lone stranger! Now, to bathe four pomeranians! | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/15/2009 |
| Wow! What a great chapter... It seemed so full of fluff at the beginning - then grew in stature. Well written. I loved the laughter of Boromir - I'm still chuckling now - I'm glad it kind of helped break the ice between him and the Hobbits. And the easy banter of the friends would definitely be a delight. I have always imagined they rattled on and on, when free of cares. Very nicely written. I can't wait for more! Author Reply: No, couldn't allow it to remain fluff, of course. As with the realization that there's more to each Hobbit than is on the surface, Boromir must understand there is more to their land and people than the simplicity and surface love of food and jollity that appears to be as deep as Hobbit society might go. These might indulge in gossip and banter, but realize that survival for Frodo must include preparation for him to protect himself as well as surrounding him with potential protectors. Thank you so, Agape. Now to get my next projects written! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/15/2009 |
| Oh, this is delightful. I love the idea of Boromir, sitting there captivated by the hobbits' family gossip! And his evaluation of the others, especially Pippin was spot on! I am truly enjoying this! Author Reply: It would be strange, particularly as it was less political and more personal in nature than the type of talk he'd probably have heard at home in Gondor, particularly as the son of the Steward. And am so glad you feel he got Pippin right. And am so glad you are enjoying this, Dreamflower. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/15/2009 |
| I'm truly enjoying seeing the hobbits through Boromir's eyes. His evaluations and observations are wonderful. And... I didn't know that Gerontius was great-great grandfather twice to Merry! How delightful. Author Reply: Oh, yes--through Mirabella via Rory as well as his second son via Adalgrim and Esmeralda, IIRC. Merry got a double dose of the Old Took indeed. And this closeness must have been refreshing compared to what Boromir was accustomed to in Denethor's court. For all that Frodo was an only child, he yet had an extended family that was apparently particularly close. | |