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In Empty Lands by Larner	7 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 4/6/2012
Seems Boromir recognizes his own strengths and failings and how much better suited his brother would have been for this particular job. But there would be too many possibilities to really guess how it would have gone if Faramir had come, as I have realised over time. They certainly made sure to search everywhere as well as they could. And they were well armed, indeed! Leaving Bill behind would have been hard, so I completely understand Sam's feelings. Though we know they had to send him back in the end – and that was so sad! – the pony was useful. Author Reply: I can't believe I missed responding to these, Kitty! I am so sorry! Obviously I need to update more often! It would have been devastating to Sam to leave Bill in Rivendell, so I'm so glad they decided to take him, too, as far as they did. And searching for the Nagul must have been a hard job, but one they had to do to make certain they weren't lurking around to attack the Fellowship once it was on its way. And by the time he got to Rivendell, I'm sure Boromir must have realized that the Ranger brother would most likely have done far better than he did.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/18/2012
I don't know how I keep missing these postings! Drat.... I must tell you how in awe I am of your writing style. Well, yes the style, but more than that - the way you keep the POV. It boggles my mind. The perspective is always Boromir and yet, we see clearly what the others are thinking and doing in a sneaky way. I love it. I am awed. Author Reply: I am truly honored, Agape. Thank you so! In many ways the time spent waiting for the Fellowship to leave Rivendell must have been trying for all of them, and particularly for someone as restless and determined to do the best for his people as Boromir. And to know you feel I managed to keep the POV while allowing the others to reveal themselves--thanks again!

Thundera Tiger	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 3/23/2011
I can't believe I've never reviewed this! Gyah! My sincerest apologies. I am a horrible, horrible person, and I can only beg your forgiveness. This is a wonderful story! The thing that stands out to me in this section of the books is the choosing of the Fellowship, but you've brought to life the choosing of the weapons, the choosing of the pack animals, the choosing of the healer, and a host of other things just as significant and important but so often forgotten. I particularly enjoyed the way you brought Gloin and Gimli in on the reforging of Narsil. That was a masterstroke! Boromir's musings over food and Faramir's ability to deal with this were the perfect touch, and I can imagine his thoughts frequently turning to home as he chafes to get underway. And I LOVED the setup you give for the passage of the Redhorn Gate and their eventual trip under the mountains through Moria. The not-quite-a-standoff between Aragorn and Gandalf already hints that there may be disagreement. Wonderfully done! Author Reply: And I can't believe that I managed to miss this! I'm so glad that you feel I have managed to close a LOT of gaps. And I'm certain that the Dwarves would want to be involved in the reforging of this blade that was originally crafted by the most famous of their swordsmith ancestors. Thank you so very much, and please forgive me for taking so long to respond to this wonderful review!

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/19/2010
Nice to see another chapter up here and sorry to be so late in reading it. Nothing keep Pippin off his feed does it? :) Found it interesting that Gloin and Gimli would be involved in the reforging of Narsil. And poor Frodo to have to be there to see that terrible crown. Love his smile to his Sam and his concern of the coming day of parting with the beloved pony. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Somehow I managed to miss this one--am so sorry, Antane! No, Pippin isn't easily put off a meal. And I'm certain that having had Gloin there and with Gimli remaining, they would want to involve the Dwarves in at least the plans for reforging Narsil. After all, it was initially forged by the greatest Dwarf smith in the history of Arda! And Frodo would have to realize it could easily happen that they'd need eventually to abandon Bill.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/17/2010
So glad to see the next chapter of this although I know that you are very busy. An evil time of the year to set forth but, also, with so many animals and birds hibernating or mitgrated the lands would also be emptier of spies. Looking forward to more and loved the dedication to Roisin. BTW the Parents send rather bemused good wishes and Jet his most eager woof! Author Reply: Oh, the past two months have been rather grievous, and I don't have as much energy to write as I've known in the past, I fear. Yes, a difficult time to set out, but with less chance, perhaps, of detection--at least for a time. We know that they will be detected soon enough, once they get down into Hollin. At least their first few weeks will be without great incident, apparently. Thanks so. And I hope that Roisin has the chance to appreciate this story that was written partly in her honor.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/16/2010
The final plans are being laid, I see. Boromir's concerns over the food supplies are, of course, well-founded. (Of course, he little realizes the foraging skills of hobbits even in a snowy wilderness.) The discussion of weapons was interesting as well. Pride of place goes to Bill the Pony, who is revealed finally as the Tenth Walker. Sam's right, and not just about Bill being upset if they leave him behind, but also that they will travel better at the start if they are not carrying everything on their backs. It's so intriguing to watch the gradual cumulative effect on Boromir of his observations. He still has not quite yet got a grasp on his companions, but he's getting there... Author Reply: Boromir is having to learn a good deal about a good number of folk he'd never thought to meet in his lifetime, I'm certain. And he is finding a good deal to note in his hosts and his expected companions. Now, to see him put it all together as the journey begins!

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/15/2010
“I find I must agree with Sam here,” he said at last. “‘Trust to their friendship,’ or so Gandalf has counseled you before. There is a different friendship here that must be honored That's a lovely thought. It's nice that Bill was truly considered a friend and companion in this Fellowship. Author Reply: I agree. Elrond must have questioned the wisdom of allowing the pony to go with the Fellowship, knowing well that it might not be able to cross the pass or go through any tunnels they might come upon--much less cross successfully through Moria as they ended up doing. But it appears that Bill had already bonded with Sam and in a peculiar way with Frodo as well; that he would not like being left behind seems very likely. Thanks so, Shirebound!

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