Reviews (67)

Larner · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Again, nice to see the relationships forming with the others of the Fellowship.

Larner · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Love the inclusion of Gandalf here, and the assurance no one can wield the Ring without danger of corruption save Sauron's self, who is already corrupted, of course. Hint the Ring is at work.

Larner · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Lovely images, lovely look at both Boromir and Aragorn as they become acquainted, lovely look at several sides of Aragorn's nature. Two corrections: It was Earnur of Gondor who died before Minas Morgul, while Arvedui, last king of Arnor, died facing the Witch King of Angmar just before aid from Gondor hastened Angmar's fall. It was Arvedui's heir who took the title of Chieftain rather than King, as there weren't enough people left of the Northern Dunedain and their subjects to consider a kingdom any more, although their continued care for those who ought to have been their subjects is clear in their patrolling of the borders of the settled lands such as the Breelands and the Shire. The native language of the Dundedain of Gondor was Sindarin--Pippin recognized it in the speech of the guards around him in ROTK, except pronunciation had drifted somewhat. Boromir ought to have at least picked up a few words here and there in the reports given to Aragorn, for as the Steward's heir he ought to have been as fluent in Gondorian Sindarin as in Westron.

Dot · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

This is a very thought-provoking chapter. I thought the opening was very moving. There’s something so lonely about Boromir’s admission of how much he loves and misses his brother and father. I suppose that despite all the activity in Rivendell, he must have felt very alone at times. At least by giving him the journal, Faramir ensured his brother a connection with his family while he was so far away from them. It must be quite something to spar with Glorfindel!! I had to laugh at his frustration with the vague answer to his question, though. Go not to the elves! Still, at least Glorfindel forced Boromir to look at Legolas more closely and appreciate the fact that he brings more than his skill with weapons to the fellowship. I’m glad Boromir feels he can relate to Legolas and the desire to fight for his home. But I thought his musings on Aragorn were very interesting. I mean, Boromir has seen loyalty and the wish to protect home and people in Legolas, Gimli and even the hobbits. But he obviously isn’t sensing it as much in Aragorn and these things are important to Boromir. In addition to that, it’s his home that Aragorn will become king of, so of course he wants to be reassured that he has some devotion to the people of Gondor. I know the movies really played up the whole “reluctant king” thing but even in the books there’s a suggestion that he does it out of love for Arwen and because Elrond has told him that he won’t give him his daughter in marriage until he becomes king. I have no doubt that Aragorn knows his heritage and has great pride in his line but I guess there just isn’t really enough sense of any particular love and loyalty to Gondor or ambition to do the duty that is rightfully his to fully convince Boromir. The final lines too were cause for thought. There seems to be a suggestion that Faramir would almost be inclined to blame the ring when he could. At some point that has to be the easiest thing. But in my mind, at any rate, the ring doesn’t necessarily plant thoughts but works on feelings, suspicions and insecurities that are already there. I can see why Boromir would feel some unease about Aragorn and it’s probably a case of this being heightened then by the ring’s influence. It’s very easy to be hard on Boromir and see him as utterly corrupted by the ring, but he wasn’t at all. Yes, it had a hold over him and took his devotion to his home and people to a rather extreme length, but he could have won in the end. We’ll just never know if he would have continued to resist its call after he snapped out of it when he fell. Anyway, as always you’ve made me stop and think about things that I’ve always just pretty much accepted about these characters. This is absolutely the most intriguing thing I’ve read in ages! :-)

mirthor · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Such refreshing insight on your part & a good subject Faramir poses - whether Boromir's doubts about Aragorn stem from his own beliefs and observations, or from the ring's influence. If I were to lay money, I would say it's his own. His considerations here of Aragorn are spot on, I believe. I remember thinking the same thing during Amon Hen (book) when Aragorn was so unsure of himself - 'all that I do goes amiss...' (can't remember Aragorn's actual words), the ppor man running about the woods with not a clue what to do, & a couple other places in the book I can't recall at this time. & of course, PJ's version played Aragorn's hesitancy far more than Tolkien did, for dramatic purposes. Also, it really is completely understandable that any of the Hurins would be bitter toward Aragorn: him walking about middle earth all this time & not coming to the aid of 'his city' until the last minute; & then awash in the reasoning that the purpose is to ensure Arwen's hand, rather than for the love of 'his people' who he barely knows. The ring may have played on those doubts about Aragorn to steer Boromir toward taking it, but I think the groundwork was laid in Boromir's clear mind already - the ring focusing instead on B's distrust of anything not tangible, specifically the evil of the ring. Goodness, I'm rambling - you're writing is too evocative ;)

purrlin · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

I'm sure I will Jenolas! (mmm theres some caves not far from me called Jenolas!) I think you underestimate your abilities and over emphasise Tolkiens in his descriptions of Boromir's feelings on his trip south. One of Tolkiens claim to fame is his ability to show us emotion whilst glossing over the indepth features of the individual. I wonder if Boromir may have grasped at the link to his brother through his writing and therefore forstalled the effects of the ring for as long as he did! It's an interesting thought! Dig deeper Jenolas...you know you can! purrlin :) (how deep is the human soul?)

purrlin · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

I am still here and so is your wonderful romp through the thoughts and memories of these wonderful brothers. I wonder if Faramir will work out that Boromir's thoughts and feelings about Aragorn aren't based upon the ring, at least not fully at this time! Sometimes those we see daily can be viewed more truthfully when seen from afar or from a different perspective. Faramir awoke to see his King and probably has had a bit of hero worship going on...maybe a brothers views will show the man for what he is...a man ...who is a king! I still think you're taking your time to leave rivendell...there is still plenty of time on the travels to see how Boromir feels about those around him... But then I don't know how long you intend to make this story and it would be presumptious of me to think you would end it in a few more chapters...at this rate I'm assuming your story is about a quarter finished.. maybe even a fifth...his thoughts on the trip across to Caradrahs...the trip up the mountain..the trip to the gates..the trip through Moria...the fall of Gandalf...the trip to Lothlorien...the gift giving..the trip along the river and then to Henneth Annen (forgive my spelling tis late my time!!!) all makes me feel you are having trouble getting Boromir started on his trip...perhaps I'm mistaken. This is why I hate to read stories before they are finished....I get so impatient. Forgive me. Please continue. I love this story more than any I have read till now. You do have a fascinating way of getting your thoughts across. Thank you again. Just waiting for more.... Thanks purrlin :) (Boromir is such a fish out of water...is funny because thats what Faramir has been all his life!)

Dot · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

What a wonderful, vivid picture of their time in Rivendell! I found the opening thoughts rather interesting. Boromir would certainly never have been so open about everything if he had any idea what the future held. So, despite the tragedy of his death and Faramir’s grief, it’s the only way that Farmair gets a truly honest account of his brother’s last few months. I can definitely see why Gimli and Boromir would be drawn to each other. They’re both outsiders in Rivendell to some extent. It’s a lovely thought, though, that the elves invite Gimli to watch their work because they know his love for it. I’m still laughing at the image of the rowdy gang in the Hall of Fire, and the elves keeping their distance. I particularly like the glimpse of a tipsy Gandalf merrily singing the night away. I thought that really captured his down-to-earth character and his love of good times with good friends. I can just imagine the crowds that would gather to see Elrond and Boromir spar. I thought the remark about the elves having a “penchant for gossip” was hilarious. But I really loved the part about Boromir teaching the hobbits. A genuine fondness for them really comes through, as does their enthusiasm and honesty and it’s clear already that there’s a sense of friendship between them all. I guess Boromir can understand the simple desire to protect those they love. I was glad for Gimli that they brought him into their training group and that Boromir recognised the skill of a fellow warrior. I had tears in my eyes again by the end of this chapter. Boromir seems to have such a desire to protect these hobbits and help them defend themselves. sigh And that last, ominous line “There will likely be many dangers lurking in the bushes; we do not need them hidden in our midst as well.” Sometimes in reading things like that it would be better if we didn’t know the future!

Bodkin · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I love the thought of Boromir training with Elrond - and being impressed by Glorfindel. And, come to that, taking walks with Arwen. It rounds him and makes plain that he is the heir of an important house as well as a warrior - and points out that he is more than the sacrifice. And I always enjoy him with Merry and Pippin. (Good to see him with Gimli, too.)

Dreamflower · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

You have really hit your stride with this chapter! I can literally *hear* Boromir's entries here in his voice, and you have managed to achieve a lighter tone as well, in spite of the ominous undercurrent that is never far away. I like the account of evenings spent being just a bit rowdy among the more sedate Elves--especially that Gandalf joined in! So many writers tend to forget that Gandalf the Grey had a very earthy and human side to his personality, which is why he was so fond of hobbits. And I like the way he described his burgeoning friendship with Gimli. Looking forward to more.

The Karenator · 22 March 2005 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

A lovely chapter, jenolas. Very descriptive and tender. Boromir's poetic waxing on the nature of waterfalls was beautiful. I particularly like the part where he spoke with Arwen and the part where he sparred with Elrond. And Boromir saying that Arwen was almost as beautiful as his and Faramir's mother was very sweet. I was glad to see Boromir regaining some of his balance as he readied himself for what's to come. He does indeed sound as if he's placing everything in perspective. The ending where Faramir bid him good night was a tear jerker. Oh my... Such a nice chapter. Karen

Dot · 22 March 2005 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

That’s interesting, that it’s more difficult for Faramir to read Boromir’s dark thoughts in his brother’s own words than to hear about him from others. Hearing the doubts and fears that plagued Boromir and his desire to speak to Faramir about them must be a source of guilt and regret for poor Faramir. But I was glad to see Boromir’s attempt to pull himself from his worries and suspicions. If he had continued to be so affected by the ring this early, it is highly unlikely that he would have made it out of Rivendell, not to mind getting so far on the quest. So it makes perfect sense that he had made an effort to accept the duty he’s undertaken and to rid himself of blacker thoughts. He’s probably right too that he needs to keep his mind and body occupied and to feel useful. I couldn’t blame him for starting to feel a sense of despair when he’s so far from home and duty. It was good too to hear the friendly, teasing voice that you’ve given Boromir come through again. The descriptions of the waterfalls were breathtaking. And it’s certainly a treat to see Boromir being so poetic! I like the suggestion that the time with Arwen gave him a chance to talk about his beloved younger brother and to share happier memories. It also reassured him that she would be a wonderful queen for their people ( the “almost as beautiful as our mother” part was so sweet!) and I get the impression that it was a rather clever way of giving him the courage to speak to Elrond. I loved the whole part with Elrond! I could really feel Boromir’s astonishment and gratitude that not only did Elrond seem to know exactly what he needed but he offered his own service. How amazing that Boromir played at being Glorfindel as a boy and now gets to spar with Elrond in his place. Personally, I really enjoyed the image of Elrond and Boromir sparring ;-) Elrond must have been in a very difficult position. He knows the whisperings of darkness in Boromir’s heart and has to be concerned for him and for the others of the Fellowship as well as the success of the quest, yet he also knows that Boromir is fated to go on this quest and has a part to play in what is to come. So unless Boromir whips out his sword in Rivendell and tried to take the ring, Elrond has to step back and let events unfold as they are destined to. At least for now he’s reassured Boromir. And Faramir, although he knows deep down that the new gladness in Boromir’s heart will not last, can rest easy and feel the closeness of the brother he knew. Great chapter. :-)

Dot · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7

I’ve never seen anything like the speed with which you’re updating this! It’s lovely to see Faramir be so open in his affection for Éowyn – but it’s even nicer to see how pleased everyone else is for him. My heart went out to him, though, when he heard the shocking news that another battle would take place. At least Imrahil was able to convince him that he should stay in Minas Tirith. He knew just what to say too, by telling him that it would be the best way to honour Boromir. You have me increasingly gripped by Boromir’s thoughts. His troubled dreams are such a great way of showing the insidiousness of the ring. It was quite heartbreaking to watch him try to reason it out in his own mind, wondering what Faramir would say to him. But he still can’t quite let go of the fact that there might be some truth in his dream and that his home is in such danger. I think we’d all feel like that to some extent after such a dream. Ah, Bilbo. I wondered about him. You’ve captured his character perfectly and it’s his talkative and somewhat boastful nature that leads him to say enough to heighten Boromir’s curiosity. Looking at Bilbo, it must be very difficult to even imagine that the ring would have any ill-effects on its wearer. I actually went cold at the next part. The ring has found his weakness and the power to save his city as well as the promise of untroubled dreams seems very attractive to Boromir. I’m so glad that Faramir can still see his brother through these words and is aware of what was happening to him, because even though Boromir was back to himself the next morning, wondering why he’d have written such “nonsense”, Faramir is probably all too aware of the possibility that soon there might be no more entries questioning the strange thoughts and dreams, as his beloved brother’s voice fades and another takes over. Great stuff! :-)

The Karenator · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Boromir's dream was interesting and was a good way to show how the ring was already speaking to him. Fortunately, Boromir, in his most lucid moments, recognized the folly of possessing the ring, but his desire to protect Gondor was so strong that he wavered when he had moments of doubt. Excellent, Jenolas. And I liked that even though Faramir was disappointed in what he read about using the ring for the good of Gondor, he recognized it was ring influencing his brother. I like that despite his clear sight about this and his disappointment in Boromir at that passage, Faramir still had faith in his brother. Nice chapter. Karen

mirthor · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Getting into Boromir's mind had to take a lot of thought. I like that you've portrayed it not Boromir himself that has thoughts of taking the ring, but of whatever the ring twists him into during those thoughts. However, I always thought that even if a part of the true Boromir harbored wishes to help his city through the ring, there's nothing particularly evil about that - the slaying of a friend to do so - yes; but even in Boromir's ring-influenced rage we don't know that he would have killed Frodo & how is a passion for saving mankind evil? All the talk everywhere of Boromir's "betrayal" - what of Frodo turning against his best friend, of all people? Granted, the ring was much closer to him, and it was in his presence much longer than Boromir's, but in the end Frodo would never have given the ring up willingly. I had hoped that Peter Jackson would play this fact up in defence of Boromir - it's obvious that he was either very fond of the character himself, or of Sean Bean, for he made his Boromir into so much more than Tolkien did & we have both the writers & SB to thank for that - amazing work. But, alas his arm didn't stretch that far. Good points you bring up - I'm sure we all wondered why, if Mithrandir & Galadriel knew of Boromir's struggle, they allowed him to go on. I don't think Mithrandir's excuses here are good enough, but who's to know? I've enjoyed your dialogue - I think some writers tend to slew too many 'old' words & phrases together & make it a chore to read - too formal. But you mix those words nicely into a more realistic blend of speech, specifically in Boromir's letters. Great insight on all of this & I'm looking forward to more.

The Karenator · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6

I've gotten behind on reviewing, but I wanted to say quickly that I loved Gandalf showing up and holding a conversation in Faramir's bath! Boromir's entries into his journal about the hobbits was great. The little people have certainly won him over. I especially like the part about hobbits being small, but still fully adult. I'm on to the next chapter. Karen

Dot · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Wish for Gandalf and he appears, it would seem! It’s interesting that he not only remembers the conversation with Boromir but clearly knew that it would be significant for Faramir. I really felt for Faramir, desperate to know why Mithrandir would allow Boromir to continue on the quest, unaware of what was happening to him when the wizard knew how tempted Boromir was becoming. It shows just how strong the ring was, though, that even Mithrandir would feel powerless against it and its grasp on others. “It was far better that he travel with us, rather than having him follow in our shadows waiting for a chance to take the ring from Frodo.” That’s something I never considered before. It’s quite shocking too to think that the ring had such a hold over Boromir before he even left Rivendell. But at least Mithrandir can reassure Faramir that despite that his brother was still “an honourable man with remarkable courage and strength of will.” People keep trying to make Faramir stop reading this journal and spend time with Éowyn!! Still, it’s more than obvious how important this is to him and how he can only really begin to let go and look to his future once he feels he has been with Boromir to the end. I love how taken Boromir is with the hobbits! There’s a lovely sense too of friendship being formed already between him, Merry and Pippin. I just adored the tale of them helping Boromir have a way of showing his brother the beauty of Imladris, and it seems they’ve given Faramir a greater gift than they could possibly have imagined. There can be no doubt too that Boromir genuinely wanted to help these people maintain the simple pleasures of their lives, safe from any knowledge of evil. They can be glad, I suppose, that he proved that beyond a doubt in the end.

DAYNA · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

::GASP!:: ::Cries:: Poor Faramir!!! You are nasssssty, Jenolasssss.... nassssty nasssssty elves'es! ::giggle:: What a heartbreaking revelation for poor Faramir. Boromir put a nail in his heart from the grave and didn't even mean to do it. :( ::mutters:: nasssssssty elves'es. :D Of course, it's only taken me 3 DAYS to get thru this one chapter, (reading at work in a hotel call center during spring brake... not the brightest of ideas) but I love it. Although I do have a question. Where were they going and why? What meeting place and ... and... orcs? And Boromir "likes" Aragorn BEFORE the council? I'm confused. Help please?

Bodkin · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6

'I thought of Boromir as an honourable man with remarkable courage and strength of will. . .' Good words for Faramir to hear. And I just love the picture of him with Merry and Pippin drawing in Rivendell.

Dot · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Ah, Imrahil! My heart went out to Farmair when he thought for that split second that it was Boromir. It was lovely, though, to see Imrahil react on pure instinct and simply draw him into an embrace. Just what Faramir needed, I think. I thought the little moment where Faramir takes the journal back so possessively really rang true. He’s clearly not ready to share the only real tie that he has to his brother just yet. I was glad to see Imrahil’s empathy and that he was able to share a similar tale of his own with his nephew. It’s a reminder too that Faramir does have some family left and, in fact, family who love him and want to support him. I loved the stories of the gifts too. It certainly shows Boromir’s pride and streak of stubbornness but it also shows the love he had for his younger brother and Faramir’s loyalty to Boromir. What a wonderful idea of the clasp as a betrothal gift! The fact that Boromir went to see off Aragorn and the others who were riding out was a great way of showing how much he has accepted not only Aragorn but his own role in all this. These moments make it all the more tragic that the ring was able to wield some power over him. And, it seems that the ring is already starting to do its work. I thought you showed this in such a clever manner by having him so convinced that the ring should go to Gondor and be able to reason it so logically, and then later wonder how he thought his arguments made sense. Mithrandir seems to be taking the road of trying to knock some sense into him. It’s actually great to see those two together. We don’t see that too often in fanfic. Boromir’s eagerness to get home and constant wondering what is happening there is rather sad to see. He really did love his brother and his home.

Bodkin · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I love Imrahil. Without his Dol Amroth family, I think Faramir - and possibly Boromir, actually, would have been even more lonely. Once Denethor got absorbed in the possibilities of the Palantir, his parenting skills definitely deteriorated. And he's wise to tell Faramir to look at life and spend time with Eowyn, even as he reads Boromir's words. It's fascinating to read Boromir's reflections on life, the universe and everything, as well. As well as seeing the insidious effect of the ring starting its campaign.

The Karenator · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Ah, Jenolas, Boromir's journal is just heartbreaking. Some of his observations are amusing and his insight is good about the people he's meeting, but just knowing how he dies and how it's affected his brother, Boromir's writings are a bittersweet journey. Sweet chapter. Uncle Imrahil was nicely done. Karen

Dreamflower · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

This story is becoming quite absorbing. I like the idea that Boromir might have kept a journal, and that his words could someday reach his grieving brother. I am eager to see what he has to say about the hobbits. But I imagine that as the journey goes forward and the Ring intensifies its efforts to seduce him, Boromir's words will become much more painful for Faramir to read.

mirthor · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Ouch - those last paragraphs had to be hard for Faramir to read. Nice representation of the ring's power over Boromir. I have imagined it's influence on him culminating in many different ways & this was one of them - completely sneaking up on him, giving him no notion that they were not his own thoughts - this has always been the manner that has made the most sense, for he was an intelligent man & if he knew an outside force was controlling him, I believe he would have removed himself from the situation at the earliest moment possible. I enjoyed the fact that you gave Boromir time to chat with Mithrandir. Will you give him more time with Aragorn? Alone time with each of the Fellowship? Any others? Thanks for sharing.

Larner · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

We love one another, we brothers and sisters, and tease one another mercilessly, and envy one another at the same time. A wonderful look at these relationships.