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In Empty Lands  by Larner 10 Review(s)
Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/20/2011
What a great chapter and what a great lexson for Boromir.

Author Reply: A great lesson for all of them, I think. After writing my other story on the forging of the Barrow-blades, I found I had to add this one here. Thanks so, Agape!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/24/2010
The thank is all mine; after all, you wrote something I dearly wanted to read. Thank you so much!

Quite a surprise for Boromir and the hobbits to learn just how old Sting truly was and that Glorfindel had known that blade for so long. Of course, our favourite balrog-slayer is uniquely suited to explain the history of the blade. Must have been an odd feeling for Boromir to hear him talking about something as witness which is so far removed from his time as to be probably seen mostly as myth.

and a good deal I foresee as particularly right with it True, and fitting well with Glorfindel's prophecy from so long ago that no man will slay the Witch-King. After all, that was one of the two blades who ended that monster's life.

In any case, they should have thought it faszinating to learn the story of these weapons. Somehow they seem so much more interesting and important when they have such a backstory.

Thank you again, that was a very enjoyable read!

Author Reply: The honor was mine! It was wonderful to have such good reason to write this chapter, and particularly after the story I wrote for B2MEM! Heh!

Who better to explain the history of the four swords than Glorfindel?

Thanks so very much, Kitty!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/7/2010
I enjoyed seeing the Hobbits trying to learn and being remindedof how special these swords are.

Author Reply: Am so glad you do, Linda! Thank you so!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/30/2010
Fascinating background given on the younger hobbits' blades; I liked Glorfindel's running commentary, bridging several Ages of the Sun. I can just see Pippin's determination, he's so earnest and still so young here.



Author Reply: After writing "Forging of Weapons," at Kitty's suggestion I had to show Glorfindel recognizing these and telling the tale of Sting as well. And Pippin must have been most determined, I'd think, to help prove to Elrond he ought to go at Frodo's side. Thanks so!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/29/2010
“Indeed, there is nothing I can detect that is wrong with this weapon, and a good deal I foresee as particularly right with it. Which of you carries this blade?”

“It’s mine,” volunteered Merry.


Great dialogue! How much did Glorfindel foresee, I wonder?

I also liked the part when Frodo retrieved Pippin's weapon for him. I can very well imagine that.

Author Reply: Glorfindel had once advised Earnur that the Witch-king would not die at the hands of any son of Men; did he foresee that somehow this blade in Merry's hand would help to see to the chief Nazgul's demise? I don't know, but would like to think he did. And I'm certain that Frodo would be far more concerned with Pippin's sense of accomplishment with his sword than his own. Certainly he'd do his best to help as he always had, or so I'd think.

Thanks so, Andrea!

lovethosehobbitsReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2010
Cool! I knew there was something special about those considering Tom Bombadil gave them to the hobbits. Tom didn't do anything without a reason.

Author Reply: I am certain you are right, LovethoseHobbits. Thanks so!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2010
No time for more today Larner but love, love, love the history lesson!

Author Reply: Am so very glad you do. It would be difficult to appreciate just how much history this Elf has seen, after all. Thank you!

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/25/2010
Glad to see this continued! And always nice to see Glorfindel. Poor Boromir, out of his depth again with all these revelations....

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Yes, and you can thank Kitty for giving me the subject for this chapter! Heh! Thanks so, Antane!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/25/2010
How delightful to see a new chapter of this! I love Boromir's reaction to Glorfindel's revelations!

The part with trying to find practice gear for the hobbits reminds me of my own story "Never Give Up" in my "Twice Twenty" collection-- save you have all four of them learning, while in my 'verse only Merry and Pippin take lessons in Rivendell.

I look forward to seeing more of this! I love seeing Boromir become acquainted with his companions and their abilities!

Author Reply: I suspect that neither Frodo nor Sam felt particularly good about taking such instruction, but that all were encouraged to at least learn the rudiments of swordcraft, at least. And I found a way to work Kitty's prompt into this one!

They would all need to become aware of one another's skills from the start, I think. Now I need to reread your story--it's been a while since I did so!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/25/2010
The Elf’s face softened with compassion as he leaned forward to place his hand over Frodo’s and looked into the Hobbit’s eyes. “Do not fear, small master, for you are freed of his influence and are, I deem, stronger than he in your fashion. He sought to take you for his own Master; and it brought both of them nothing in the end.” He leaned further forward. “You shall prevail,” he declared, softly but with certainty.

That's a lovely passage. I enjoy reading scenes where Glorfindel is interacting with the hobbits.

Author Reply: I am so glad you do, Shirebound. It was a pleasure to write it, and I'm most grateful to Kitty for inspiring it!

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