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In Empty Lands by Larner	9 Review(s)
Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/29/2009
How well Gandalf perceives everyone! Denethor,like Boromir will prove to be,is sadly his own worst enemy. Author Reply: Well, Gandalf by now has had the chance to get to know many mortals, and has undoubtedly taken the measure of Boromir and his father both. I am certain he loves them both, but does not see then through rose-tinted lenses. Thanks so!

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/27/2009
What an insightful conversation! Boromir learned a lot about Bilbo, Aragorn and his father Denethor. Or more precisely, he learned what Denethor did not tell him! He also heard of Gandalf's first meeting with the Old Took, which was very funny and absolutely believable. Gerontius must have been a fascinating hobbit! But we should not forget that Boromir's first question was about Frodo! From my point of view Gandalf did not tell him as much as he would have liked to know about the Ringbearer. But what he told him was very good advice: He is extraordinarily responsible and mild in nature, but nowhere as passive as he might appear. So, never ever underestimate Frodo Baggins, Boromir! But I fear, he won't listen to me! Author Reply: Frodo's tendency to be private in his affairs definitely will not work to Boromir's advantage, I fear. The first encounter between Gandalf and Gerontius was directly inspired by Anglachel's writing, but then I often work other people's threads into my own stories, as I think you know. And perhaps it is time that Boromir should begin thinking on the tales told in Gondor and Rohan of the famous Captain Thorongil! Here I cannot go with Anglachel's bent--she would have Denethor seeking out Aragorn's healing abilities to see his wife made whole again; I suspect Denethor in the depths of his heart might wish that, but on a more conscious level wish never to see Thorongil again within his lands. As for listening to others about not underestimating Frodo--Boromir may listen on one level while ignoring all the advice he hears on another. And the Ring sees only his desire to save his land and will work on that, I think!

Inzilbeth	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/26/2009
A fascinating and very well put together chapter, Larner. It seems very right that Gandalf should enlighten Boromir in this way and of course I particularly enjoyed his appraisal of the Aragorn and the role of the Northern Dunedain. Author Reply: Boromir needs to be aware that Gondor is not responsible for all the defense against the Enemy, and that Sauron endangers many lands of which he's been little aware. And it's perhaps time he begins to realize that his father has more knowledge than he might have shared with his sons regarding their long-sundered kin in the north! Thanks so, Inzilbeth!

Soledad	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/25/2009
A fascinating history lesson, given to Boromir by Gandalf. Not always pleasant, though... But the story how Gandalf first met the Old Took is absolutely hilarious! Author Reply: Am glad you approve--and it's wonderful to hear from you again! Welcome back! No, not all the history is always pleasant, particularly the thought that Denethor refused to treat with the northern Dunedain and that it's not just Gondor that has been threatened by the Enemy. As for Gandalf first meeting Gerontius--well, one day you might read a tale or two by Anglachel--I admit being influenced by her! Heh! And with the Old Took, I suspect he wasn't overwhelmed by much of anyone. Thanks so, Soledad! Happy Memorial Day (here, at least).

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/25/2009
Ah, yes, I can understand how Boromir feels – so many people around after months alone on the road can be quite overwhelming at times. Bilbo is related to approximately half the Shire? Sounds about right grin Nice summary of Mithrandir’s acquaintance with the Hobbits in general and Gerontius, Bilbo and Frodo in particular. So Aragorn sought an alliance with Gondor before and Denethor was too proud and arrogant to even consider it? Yes, that’s Denethor ... sadly. How ironically that these few northern Rangers saved Minas Tirith in the end and then provided the distraction Frodo and Sam needed to fulfil the quest! Love the way Boromir gets more and more pieces of the puzzle that is Frodo, so to speak. Author Reply: Considering how prolific the Old Took was, wouldn't you expect his grandson to be related by at least marriage to about anyone who was anyone within the Shire? Heh! Eventually I will get "Stirring Rings" to the point where I look at Gandalf's relationships with Gerontius, Bilbo, and Frodo, which will in some ways be a relief! I know other writers have thought once Aragorn left Gondor there would have been little if any correspondence between the two lands; but I'm not as certain. I know that he had to have had some relationship with Denethor and Finduilas, and that once he was aware of Finduilas's death he must have wished to convey his own sorrow. That, too, eventually will come out in "Stirring Rings," I suspect. And there's no question the coming of the Grey Company to the Battle of the Pelennor helped to turn the final tide of the battle, although there were a good number of Gondorians on the ships as well. As for Boromir--he is learning more and more, and trying to readjust himself to being on company again! Thanks so, Kitty!

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/25/2009
Absolutely riveting chapter! I am glad to see that you give Boromir some intelligence. I personally have a difficult time with tales that say he knew no Elvish - just doesn't wash with me. The details of what Mithrandir shared were excellently presented - this is a LOT of information - and very well written. Not the least bit boring. I loved your 'take' on so many parts. And I loved the letter from the Chieftain - not the least bit unrealistic. And that Denethor did not share this with Boromir... As always, when I read a good Boromir tale, I think how much he grew in his time with the Fellowship and it makes me further saddened that Tolkien chose to 'kill him off' - he would have been a good Steward to Aragorn (and I do, in my heart of hearts, believe Boromir would have finally accepted Aragorn.) Bless you for sharing this with us! Author Reply: The two languages spoken within Gondor were Westron and Sindarin, after all, and Quenya was the High Tongue in which the most important of vows were spoken and the most important people named. I cannot imagine the children of the Stewards going untutored in that language. They may not have applied themselves particularly to the study of Quenya, but it would be expected they'd have some knowledge of it at the very least. I suspect that Denethor and Faramir would be fairly conversant in it, much as a modern classicist might know a fair amount of Hellenistic Greek and Latin, and that Boromir at least would have a grasp on the structure of the language and a basic vocabularly, and probably had been made to either memorize or translate some of the basic stories, such as the Lay of Leithien. The little Tolkien writes indicates that at first Denethor and Thorongil were inclined to be friends and had many interests in common; but that in time Denethor pulled away from the relationship, growing more envious and suspicious of the captain's motives and intents. That Aragorn would wish to convey his compassion and his own grief at Finduilas's death just makes sense to me, and that he might have thought to try to make some level of peace with Denethor using the excuse of reinstating the alliance once known between North and South. Am glad that works for you, along with the lack of acknowledgment to anyone else the missive had been sent. Alas that Boromir did die--not that you haven't "killed him off" even earlier than did the Master! Heh! Thanks so, Agape!

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/24/2009
there are depths to Hobbits that few have the chance to behold, even among themselves. That's so beautifully stated. I'm really enjoying this tale. Author Reply: I'm so glad you think so, Shirebound. And it proved so true! Thanks so much!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/24/2009
A marvelous conversation between Boromir and Gandalf, one that had to have taken place at some point during those months between the Council and the leave-taking. I especially like the rather hobbity way Gandalf allows himself to be sidetracked briefly by the discussion of pipe-weed! LOL! And I enjoyed the mention of his friendship with Gerontius! (I hope, perhaps, that we may get a glimpse or two of a few times he came abroad with me for a season or two as some point, maybe in "Stirring Rings"?) And I like the way that Gandalf reminds Boromir that the Enemy is not the enemy of Gondor alone, but of all Free Folk of the West! Very nice! I was so glad to see an update of this! Author Reply: I do believe that when I get that far Gerontius's visits to Rivendell will be described, at least in brief! And there's no question Gandalf's attitudes and thinking has been affected by his exposure to Hobbits! As for the Enemy being the Enemy to all--well, I thought that Boromir needed that point rather hammered home, and Gandalf would be the one to do so, or so I'd think. Thanks so, Dreamflower.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/24/2009
Another reason I am kindred to both Bagginses - I love to be alone too! So Boromir's education in Hobbits continues. Glad to see another chapter and another reason I love them. I took the Myers-Briggs personality test years ago and I am INFP and I think Frodo would very much be so also - introverted, intuitive, feeling, perceptive. hugs him Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I can't remember what the Myers-Briggs found for me, but I think it was similar, although analytical was prominent, too. Yes, Boromir's education in Hobbits and Arnor's history continues. Thanks so, Antane!

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