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| Duty Bound by Bodkin | 78 Review(s) |
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| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/11/2006 |
| Lothiriel is just adorable. I loved the scene with her and Emeldis at the beach. I felt so sorry for Emeldis, thinking that it's just a matter of time before Lothiriel realizes she's just a political pawn (and I'm so relieved she's wrong!) But good grief - how on earth did Denethor manage to choose the one society girl in Gondor who wouldn't have sold her baby brother for the chance to marry the heir of the Steward. All they needed to do was hold a debutante ball and marry Boromir off to the last girl standing. It's painful to watch this! And dear Boromir - ‘I daresay you will go off them when you have them round you all the time,’ he assured her cheerfully. ‘I would rather deal with a troop of soldiers – they are far less trouble.’ LOL, so true, so true. I wonder what is going on with Emeldis's mother now... Author Reply: I think Emeldis is beginning to get over feeling pawn-like - after all, being married to Boromir can't be all that bad! Especially since he has turned out to have a well-hidden soft heart. (And Lothiriel's marriage could have been a truly cold-hearted political move. I'm glad it wasn't!) Denethor, I think, had a pretty good idea of what he wanted in his son's wife ... and he might even have had his son's welfare in mind for some of it! He did look outside the predictable families - partly, I think, because many noble families tend to be a bit effete, and not always that productive, child-wise. And he wouldn't have wanted to increase the power of the girl's father. But there must have been a lot of frustrated ladies in Gondor on Boromir's wedding night! Emeldis's mother has a whole back story - and, unfortunately, none of it made it beyond hints! I might have to explain it after the next chapter! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/11/2006 |
| This is a very interesting AU exploring what if Boromir had not been a confirmed batchelor as Tolkien suggests. This is a very vivid depiction of what marriage might have been like for Boromir and the girl his father chose. I love your characterisations of Faramir,Imrahil and the ladies. Author Reply: Gondor needs heirs. It surprises me that Denethor hadn't married off at least his older son. Boromir and Faramir were in such dangerous positions and if they were killed, what would Denethor do? It would open the way to that dratted Thorongil - who was probably only waiting for Denethor to show weakness. Sons, and plenty of them, would make it much harder for anyone to present himself as king without tearing Gondor apart. Thank you. I am particularly fond of Imrahil's family. Well ... And Faramir. And Boromir. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| Well, there's a promising start to a marriage. One would think that, if one were going to arrange a marriage for one's son without any say-so from the son involved, one would at least wish to give the son a few pointers. But if one did that, one would not be Denethor, I guess. Emeldís is a real mensch, making the best of what has to be a desperately unpleasant situation. I can't imagine that this will be a happy or a successful pregnancy. On the other hand, this: A wife, Boromir had discovered, was not comparable to a junior officer. is just Boromir all over. Author Reply: Denethor would have his eye on the family tree. Heirs are vital - especially as war comes closer and closer. And the more of his line available, the harder it would be for anyone to come out of the north and claim kingship without tearing Gondor apart. And Thorongil wouldn't do that. It's a difficult situation - two barely acquainted people expected to procreate enthusiastically. And harder on her - Boromir at least has his normal life to live while away from the city. Poor Boromir. He seems the sort who might be rather alarmed by the sort of girl Emeldis is. Although I think he has a gentle streak he tries to hide - one excited by women like his mother, children and animals. | |
| mirthor | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| Nice job with Boromir's characterization so far. Thanks for sharing. Author Reply: Thank you. I like Boromir - who seems the sort of man who would be very gentle with women, children and animals. And not gentle at all with men. But fair. | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| This is a very interesting story so far. I usually dont' read anything but elf tales, but since you are the author I took a gander and am enjoying it very much! I feel so sorry for both Boromir and his reluctant wife. The news does seem to be good though. I look forward to the next update. Author Reply: Thank you - I'm glad you've come along for the ride. An arranged marriage would probably be the norm among people like Denethor - but it must add to the difficulty of learning to live together. Emeldis isn't unwilling, really, but she is nervous about her marriage. Good news. At the moment. Can't last, though! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| I feel so sorry for both Boromir and Emeldís here - their wedding was so cold and soulless! Particularly Emeldís - she seems so very young, and from a very manipulative family. Poor Boromir is trying his best to put her at her ease, but he seems young and uncertain himself. The only part that rings untrue is his hesitancy over her name - I feel that at the very least he'd have learned everything he could about her, even if they had never met before the wedding. I just know that this is going to end in tragedy - Emeldís's death in childbirth, I would guess :( A lovely, sad tale, Bodkin. Jay Author Reply: Emeldis is very young. Might be a good thing in some ways - Boromir is being much more careful and gentling her along. I don't know that he would so much if she was a court sophisticate - he might expect one of those to know the score more. Yes - it is doubtless an exaggeration to have him uncertain of her name. Although I think it was her sister who was on Denethor's list. And her father is seen in court circles, but her mother isn't. It can't end happily really, can it? Boromir doesn't leave heirs of his body. Probably for the best as far as the restored kingdom goes - but sad for him. | |
| Lady Bluejay | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| I am really enjoying this - can't wait to find out why he's not got a wife anymore. Loved this line - ‘Only Father,’ he said bitterly, ‘would be able to rob the act of all its pleasure.’ Great writing all round. LBJ Author Reply: Can you just imagine picturing Denethor and his intentions when - h'mm - entertaining yourself? Oh no - not good. I feel that Boromir is very gentle with women, children and animals, too. While he is being pushed by his father into being precipitate! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| You do such a nice job with these characters, Bodkin. Boromir is his confident self but this forced marriage and commanded fatherhood have left him on shaky ground. His trust in Faramir's cleverness is touching. Author Reply: Poor Boromir doesn't have much experience in this line! And I do see him as having loved his mother dearly - and learned to have a gentle hand with females and children. He always seems protective of those he sees needing his care - while he is able to be hard and suspicious when dealing with men. Except his little brother, whom he trusts implicitly. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| A nice discusion on the differences between marriage and a military campaign there! This flows so naturally, from Denethor's insistence (understandable in his place) to Faramir's helpful plotting, to the girl's shy yet well defined personality. But I loved most Boromir here. He's a man of action, who will not spend time opposing a circumstance that is beyond his control, but rather will employ his talents in performing in the best of manners, as he has been raised to do and as he also expects of himself. It seems to me that he truly cares for the girl, even if he has not yet had time to see her fully as his wife, but his conversation with his uncle shows a conscious, inquisitive mind, interested in mastering the secrets of this new role he has been thrown into. And, again, I love all discussions of marriage that you spread along the chapter, through different voices. This is a very calm, thought-provoking and intimist piece, Bodkin. I'm really liking it. Author Reply: Boromir is a natural soldier, I think. Other skills had to be acquired - with practice! I do think it astonishing that Denethor hadn't married his sons off to produce the next generation of heirs - especially considering how dangerous life was getting in Gondor. I can only suppose that his obsession with the Palantir distracted him. A lack of heirs would play into Sauron's hands, after all. Boromir would possible have been a bit more comfortable with a girl who was a bit older and more worldly-wise, but a young wife definitely arouses the protective instincts that he shows with the hobbits and Faramir. And that is a good beginning for someone like him - and he would want to do the job well. Thank you - I'm glad you're enjoying it. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/10/2006 |
| Oh dear. It looks as though Boromir could have had a chance at married happiness, if only what it is clear has to happen didn't happen... I love your Imrahil and his family. They are delightful--the prince, his wife and the children. It was so clever of Faramir to think of his brother taking his wife there for a belated honeymoon. They are the family that the brothers look to when they need comfort and affection. And something that Boromir said sparked a little plot bunny for me. If it bears fruit, I'll let you know. Author Reply: Poor Boromir. Imrahil and his family are among my favourites. (Like so many others, actually!) It definitely did Emeldis good to see her husband in the midst of his easy-going Dol Amroth kin. And a plot bunny! That sounds good! | |