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From the Shadows  by jenolas 75 Review(s)
lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/7/2006
I have been a total lurker lately, but I really am enjoying this story. I hope Faramir is able to get Aragorn to consent to coming to Boromir (I don't see why he wouldn't, but I know how author's love a twist or two in a plot -lol). Faramir's faith in Aragorn is touching, and his need of his brother rings so true for that character. Great chapter, jenolas! Update soon - I can't wait to see Aragorn's reaction to the news that Boromir lives!

linda

DotReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/22/2006
I do love the way you write the teasing nature of the relationship between the brothers! Even now there’s such innate ease between them. You made me smile when Faramir hugs Haldir in gratitude. And Haldir’s pride at serving his Lady is really touching. I feel sorry for him because it seems he really will mourn her when she sails.

Mmm… you’re probably nice and warm where you are but a hot spring sounds lovely to me about now! (Yes, even without the two lads!) It was a very moving moment when they each see the scars the other one bears, made all the more so by Boromir’s recognition that the physical wounds are not the worst ones that his little brother has.

I think I grinned the whole time they indulged in horseplay. They certainly enjoyed it and seem to have acquired some energy from the pure happiness of being in each other’s company, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffer for the exertion later. LOL at Boromir reprimanding his brother for speaking so lightly of Arwen! I think he would be glad, though, to know that Aragorn and his wife have such a good relationship with Faramir and clearly respect him and think of him as a friend.

I’m not surprised the conversation about Rivendell and Gondor went on all afternoon! I really felt for Boromir, though, when he asked to know about his beloved city. “I will not be returning to Minas Tirith, Faramir” Ah. I suspected he might say something like that. But crikey, you nearly broke my heart when he talked about honour and how he should not be trusted and there’s no place for him in Minas Tirith! I think it’s brave of him to sacrifice this for honour and to do the best for his people, but it’s heartbreaking to think that he sees himself as less of a person now. And then! Then! “My days may yet be numbered.” Ack. So maybe it is just a temporary thing, that some power conspired to give the brothers this last chance together, but that’s all it really is. Who knows? Besides you, obviously ;-) I really can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve for this, jenolas!



Author Reply: Hey Dot,

Sorry for the long time in my answering as well, but so it goes.

I am glad you are liking this, and while I am stil not entirely comfortable with the AU aspect,I am finding it surprisingly intriguing and challenging. As well a chance to let Haldir shine a little can't be a bad thing, in my opinion.

To my mind, Boromir is a man of great pride and honour there would have been many unresolved issues that I suspect would have plagued him had he survived. Luckily he has Faramir ( and Haldir to some extent) to help him deal with them, but perhaps the final outcome will not be as expected.

DotReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/22/2006
There seems to be quite a good relationship between Boromir and Haldir. There’s certainly a sense of respect and Boromir is clearly grateful for whatever was done for him. I love the idea that the bond between Boromir and Faramir is so strong that not only was it known in Minas Tirith, but Haldir can feel it now. And right now both brothers are struggling with a lot of mixed feelings. I can understand why Faramir thinks Boromir isn’t real – I get the impression he’s dreamt about him before as he struggled with his grief.

And his anger is very believable too after all he’s suffered and it seems even now that he might never have known the truth if he hadn’t stumbled across it. Of course, Boromir didn’t know about Denethor. What a terrible shock. Plus, Boromir knows what it’s like to be tempted by evil so it must grieve him to know how far his father went. I’m glad Faramir was able to reassure him that he wasn’t responsible for Denethor’s actions.

It was also good to see that Boromir is honest in telling his brother about his seduction by the ring. His description of what happened when the arrows pierced him is intriguing. It’s quite magical and spiritual. It seems to me that these ghosts of the past possess much honour and strength – I like the idea that they called him away from Sauron’s influence. It also sounds like there were a lot more forces than it seemed at work to make sure the quest succeeded and are now still at work. Perhaps to give both brothers the chance to see each other, to speak again, to each know the answers to their questions? I’m starting to suspect that this might be a grace granted to them for now and not the happy home-coming that Faramir thinks.

Excellent chapter! Onwards…


Author Reply: Thanks for the insightful review, Dot.

Although this is a Boromir lives fic, I wanted to steer away from the story telling aspect and try and deal a little with the characters, as I usually prefer to do in my shorter pieces.

There is a wealth of unanswered questions to explore between the brothers, and both have issues unresolved that perhaps might have been easier to deal with if they could have spoken after the war.

I have also tried to incorporate a little of the more 'mystical'historical side of Tolkien's Middle-earth, especially as applied to the alliance between the Faithful Numenoreans ( from whom our men of Gondor ... and Dol Amroth... are descended) and the Elves.

DotReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/20/2006
Just stopping by to let you know how much I'm enjoying this - I'll be back with proper reviews for the last two chapters, hopefully in the next few days. Great story, jenolas :-)

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/19/2006
Poor Boromir. I wonder if he was saved because he needs to come to terms with what happened before the orc attack. Faramir has a purpose in this new world order - but Boromir cannot do the one thing on which he prided himself most. Yet he and Faramir need the comfort and support each affords the other.

Author Reply: Boromir has a lot to deal with as you say, but the path ahead is certainly easier when they have each other to turn to for support.

ElenyReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/19/2006
You portray the psychology of the two brothers very well. As for Boromir, he surely must feel broken in two having lost the ability to use his military skills, to be the fighter and protector of his beloved city and people. This is somehow the crisis many of us meet in a certain way. Fight it or stand it, both may seem far too complicated.

Author Reply: Yes, this is a very difficult time for Boromir... and a hard choice he feels he needs to make, especially considering how much Faramir needs him at the moment.

ElenyReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/19/2006
A very interesting and believable twist. I guess there were some scandinavian legends about spirits of mighty warriors coming back to the almost dead bodies if they chose to continue the course of life. This could by all means happen to Boromir, especially with Galadriel's assistance. The end of this chapter, however, gives further intrigue! Very well written!

Author Reply: Thank you so much, I hope you continue to enjoy the tale!

mirthorReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/18/2006
As far Galadriel helping to save Boromir - after she purposely sent him out to his death, I should hope so!

Nice to see the brothers time together here. Is there something special abotu the spring? Neither seemed to be suffering from any of their wounds while playing in the water - perhaps it's a source of healing.

Author Reply: As I mentioned in the story, they only 'played' for a few minutes before it became too much for them. Thanks for reading and enjoying.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/12/2006
Galadriel sending helpers to bring Boromir back from the brink is a good scheme. It must be terrible disconcerting for Faramir to see his brother - I think he reacted quite well to it really!

Author Reply: Yes, I like to think Galadreil is not a 'wicked elf Queen', she shows much compassion. Poor Faramir, more shocks in store!

mirthorReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/11/2006
Pleased to see a Boromir lives tale - it's been quite a while. Thanks for sharing.

Author Reply: You are very welcome.

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