Celeritas
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
A good first meeting, before Boromir truly learns who this man is (and am I right in wondering that Aragorn still remembers Boromir from when the latter was three years old?).
I enjoyed in particular the displays of ignorance: both Boromir's ignorance of the history of Arnor and his shock at Aragorn knowing of Gondor. Too often fandom assumes that since we are privy to obscure bits of lore in Middle-Earth, so were all the other characters.
Author's reply
Oh, I do think Aragorn does remember the toddler he last saw in Minas Tirith, and is amazed to see how he has turned out!
As for thinking Boromir would know much about Arnor's history--I can't imagine he'd know much more than what he might have heard Gandalf say, and he probably ignored much of that save for the reports of wars and battles. No, his knowledge would undoubtedly be very sketchy, or so I'd think. And personally I doubt Aragorn would admit to him who he'd been in Gondor's history.
Thanks so very much for the review--I do appreciate it!
Ainariel
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
I have been a 'lurker' on this site for the past several years (there a quite a few good reads within!) I usually read about the Rohirrim - I relate most strongly to them (I learned to ride at such a young age I don't remember it, and the vision of Rohan from the films tie in with my celtic/norse background) I've never been particularly drawn to Gondor, except for Aragorn...until now.
I truth, in both book and film, Boromir has never really been a favorite character of mine - but I love the way you have fleshed him out in this tale. You are right in line with what the Professor wrote of him, but there is so much insight into his motives in this tale that I am truly intrigued by him!
I must comment also on your descriptiveness - I can 'see' this story unfolding(like a mini-film in my mind's eye), right down to the expressions on Aragorn & Boromir's faces as they converse - very important when they speak so much with so few words!
Wonderful, well written tale - I look forward to the rest of it! Westu hal!
Author's reply
I am truly honored, Ainariel. I rarely write Boromir, and to find myself writing primarily about him or from his point of view is a departure from my norms as well. And I am so honored you feel this about the way I've used description. Thank you so very much!
Raksha The Demon
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
A wonderful look at the first meeting between Boromir and Aragorn, frought with mystery and wonder on both sides. I love the echoes of both Denethor and Faramir that Boromir sees in the mysterious stranger, and the hope that the latter inspires in the weary Captain-General.
Author's reply
Am so glad you like this meeting. Yes, more than a bit of wonder, seeing this strange man sitting there as if he belongs, and yet he obviously IS a Man, not an Elf. Tolkien himself indicated that Thorongil and Denethor looked very much alike; that Boromir should see the resemblance both in looks and behavior, particularly as Aragorn is a Ranger as was his brother and is used to command as is Denethor and has his own presence to consider just seems so likely.
And I hope that he did indeed manage to inspire some hope in Boromir, who needed some of that commodity, I think.
harrowcat
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
I have really enjoyed these two chapters Larner. Great insights into the early relationships of the Fellowship. I, too, am curious as to what Estel was reading *grin* (But then, any book interests me!)
Author's reply
Am so glad they please and intrigue. Boromir has but the faintest of ideas as to whom he's just met; but for Aragorn--to realize this is the one he knew as an infant and toddler--it must be somewhat overwhelming. But he'd be interested in hearing Boromir's report, recognizing the soldier's soldier before him.
And I agree--any book interests me, too!
Baggins Babe
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
What a fascinating look at Boromir's journey, and this first meeting between the future King and the man who would have been his Steward if things had been different.
Poor Boromir - and poor Aragorn. I shouldn't think anyone would sleep very well if they'd faced the Witch-king!
Author's reply
They've both faced the Nazgul now, and now Boromir knows his new acquaintance has faced the Witch-king himself just recently. Must be a rather startling thought, I'd think. And it has been interesting examining Boromir's own journey, and what it must have been like having to walk that distance from Tharbad.
And both Boromir and Aragorn will be coming to the Council on no sleep--although I suspect Aragorn's more used to such things than Boromir is.
Thanks so for the feedback.
Andrea
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
Like Dreamflower already pointed out, this is a very plausible encounter.
Seeing Aragorn through Boromir's eyes was as if you met him for the very first time! I was fascinated by all the similarities to Denethor Boromir found in Aragorn's features and behaviour. And yet, there was something different which he only recognised in Aragorn, not in his father.
The name by which the Elf had addressed the Man had brought to mind the emotion he’d seen in his face that he’d not seen in the face of his father for so very long--indeed, not since the death of his mother--hope.
I found that very fitting!
I'm looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I like to do plausible encounters. I loved the movie moment, but I know that the Shards of Narsil lying on that stone tray held by the statue is AU. Such an encounter as this one seemed a nice compromise. We know that Elrond gave Aragorn the child's name of Estel; that hope could be found in his expression ever, even at his grimmest seems probable. Am so glad you find that fitting. As for the resemblance to Denethor--Tolkien himself indicated that the two could easily have been brothers.
Thanks so for the feedback.
Antane
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
That library would have been to my liking too! But :) that Boromir would go there to look for something boring. It is a wonder that there would even be anything there he could find to fit the description!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And mine, Antane. Oh, I'm sure he could find something boring there if he looked hard enough. Certainly in my own library I have several volumes that tend to put me to sleep that I have mostly for reference purposes.
Anyway, thanks so much for the feedback.
shirebound
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
What an interesting, thoughtful conversation. And I like your description of the corridors and library by night.
Author's reply
Thanks so, Shirebound. I love to think that in the four or more millenia Elrond dwelt here he would have collected many things as well as much knowledge. It must have been such a fascinating place to visit! No wonder Bilbo decided to retire there.
Dreamflower
· 31 October 2008
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
Again, a very plausible encounter and conversation! I love the two probing one another, very politely, and very astutely on both their parts. But it's clear that Boromir is puzzled by this new acquaintance--who seems to know more about him.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, in his own way Boromir is also a judge of Men, if not to the depth that his father and brother are--and as Aragorn proved to be as well. But to have this one know his name...that might have been a bit of a puzzler, although he might assume the one who led him to his room told this Man when he asked. But he's going to be watching the northern Dunadan in the morning, I'd think.
Raksha The Demon
· 30 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
A wonderful birthday gift too! You write an interesting Boromir; and I like the give-and-take between him and Faramir, and Faramir's justifiable anger at being passed over for the mission to Imladris. And I liked that neat bit of a flashback to the young brothers playing pirates in the swan-bed....
Author's reply
I am so glad it met your wishes, Raksha. I certainly wouldn't fault Faramir for wanting to go! And I know that when we were little we'd often tell stories to one another when we were supposed to be sleeping. Am so glad you liked the little foray into the children's pretending!
See what you did? You got me to write this one, and the others demanded to be part of the series!
Hope your birthday was a fun one--and to share it with Houdini!
irene
· 30 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
You worked a miracle -- I've never been overly interested in the Council of Eldond and/or Boromir but now I am. Certainly due to your plotting and writing skills. Absolutely great!
(And Elves too!)
Author's reply
I am most honored! Thank you!
I've written so little of Boromir--it's as if I were being goaded to make up for that fact.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
I just loved the idea that Boromir insisted on the errand because he guessed he would not return and Faramir would make the better Steward.
Wasn't "Perian" the term they used in Gondor for A Hobbit?
How poignant that we know this lovely bed will be Boromir's last proper bed.A lovely bittersweet chapter which I greatly enjoyed.
Author's reply
Am glad you appreciate that.
Perian in Rivendell and Pheriannath in Minas Tirith--in my universe the PH is used in Gondor and the simple P among the northern Elves.
Yes, rather bittersweet indeed. But he's managing to have as full a life as he can, I think!
Now--if this one doesn't steal too much time from my other projects! Heh!
Antane
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
Very interesting words from Boromir to his brother, most interesting perhaps the unspoken ones, that he foresaw that death would be at the end of this errand and he did not want Faramir to die because he was the wiser one. Love Faramir's longing to see more of the world and its peoples. I love him for his gentle spirit and scholarly heart.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed, death could be the end of it--that he realizes, and he wishes ever to protect his brother.
I think both the brothers Mir are wonderful, each in his own way.
Thanks so, Antane.
Celeritas
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
I'm probably just repeating what everyone else has said, but I like how very different (but not less in character!) your interpretation of the motivations of Boromir in going on his journey. Though of course he knew the perils of his mission, the idea of going into it knowing through some foresight that he would not return, and choosing thus because of that foresight, is novel.
Of course, he does not die in service to Gondor, as he thinks he would now. By then he will have achieved a higher purpose.
Author's reply
He, too, has Dunedain blood and is descended from Mithrellas--I'm certain even our prosaic Boromir had his own tendency toward foresight at times. It's not definite--the one to go MAY not return; he just doesn't wish it to be his brother who might not come back, and I think he's more shrewd about his father than most appreciate. Plus, if the Sword that was Broken can be used as a weapon to protect his land I think he'd move heaven and earth to find it and learn how to use it.
Plus, in the end his death did work to the good of Gondor, for he died to protect the Hobbits, and certainly all would have been worse off had Pippin not come to feel the need to pay his debt to the Gondorian warrior as he did.
Thanks so for the feedback.
Agape4Gondor
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
Interesting chapter.
I too loved the comparison of voices. And the headboard was a neat touch.
I've struggled for years over the decision of who should go - it must have been an extremely difficult time for all involved. I was VERY grateful you did not 'press' the nonsensical fanon that Boromir LIED and did not have the dream. Men of Gondor, according to the Professor himself, do not lie.
Author's reply
I absolutely loved the headboard on Frodo's bed in the movie with its beautiful guardian carved into it. That the Elves might have some beds with a swan ship carved into their headboards seemed very appropriate, and particularly for this grandson of Dol Amroth! It would be comfortingly familiar for Boromir, I'd think.
No, I do not believe that Boromir lied about the dream. But we are told it was shared by several, but that Faramir had it repeated, indicating perhaps he might have been intended to go instead of his brother.
So glad you liked this! Thanks so for the feedback.
Andrea
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
The conversation between the two brothers was a real eye-opener!
First of all there is the question why Boromir went on the journey to Imladris. I hadn't thought much about that other than that he's the older brother.
But maybe he really knew or feared that the one who set out to find the answer to their dream would not return. And that person should not be his little brother!
Furthermore, it never came to my mind that Boromir might not have wanted to become Steward of Gondor. But you are right, his foremost aim is to protect and defend his land. And the best way he can achieve that is by fighting. He's the perfect soldier, whereas Faramir is the perfect steward.
It's only sad that Boromir's fears became true. I wished they could have had another conversation, after the destruction of the Ring!
Author's reply
Oh, I, too, wish they could have spoken again afterwards. How much of the Dunedain foresight he might have had is questionable, but both his father and his mother had elvish blood in their veins, no matter how far back that might have been. If he saw any danger at all of his brother not coming back I suspect he would have sought to protect him by insisting on taking the quest himself.
Am so glad this set you thinking!
shirebound
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
What a wonderful detail about Boromir comparing his voice to that of an Elf's. You describe the hospitality of Elrond's house beautifully.
Author's reply
I'd think most mortals, meeting Elves for the first time, would find themselves terribly lacking comparing themselves against the other. It must have been both a humbling and often a rankling experience.
And I do believe that to enter the Last Homely House would be a most welcoming event! Thanks so for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
This is a wonderful interpretation of Boromir's taking the journey from Faramir! I'd never really thought on it fully, before, but it makes so much sense.
I really do look forward to seeing much more of this. I am curious as to what you will make of his time in Rivendell--so many different stories have been written about it, and I always love to see another and fresh view!
Author's reply
Am glad this chapter made folk think, and that people feel this makes sense. Thank YOU for letting me know.
As for his time in Rivendell, you're right--there's so much scope for new experiences there! Will be adding to this, although it's again distracting me from other projects.
6336
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 2: Be By Him
Ooo! I've heard of breakfast in bed, but supper in bath is a new one on me, saves a napkin though! I have heard it told that the right brother went for various reasons, chack out on of Fiondil's Tapestrys!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
It would make a good deal of sense, to bring a meal to enjoy while bathing, or so I'd think. And in the end the right brother did go, and for the right reasons, although they might not always have been the ones Boromir considered, of course. Heh!
Will be continuing the series.
Radbooks
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 1: The Arrival
Oh, I like this very much, Larner! A great beginning. I enjoy a good Boromir story and I haven't read one of those for a long time. :)
Author's reply
Am so glad you approve, Radbooks! This one sort of crept up on me!
Andrea
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 1: The Arrival
Great story so far!
In fact it's the first story that describes Boromir's journey to Rivendell I've ever read.
He arrived after Frodo in Rivendell and so it is very interesting to find out through Boromir's eyes and the talk of the people he meets what they heard of Strider and the hobbits.
"Don’t rightly know as how far it is t’ Rivendell, where they could tell you of where this Imladris might be."
*grins* But on the other hand, how could a simple farmer know that Imladris is only another name for Rivendell?
Author's reply
I've seen a few other stories of Boromir's great journey. In one story he finds himself skirting the Old Forest and the Barrowdowns and meets Tom Bombadil, and I've seen a few tales of the crossing at Tharbad and how he lost his horse. In one he is helped by Elrond's twin sons, who grow annoyed at him and send him off on a wild-goose-chase. I've sometimes wondered how he might have responded once he arrived at Rivendell and saw the two of them there. In one Surgical Steel wrote, Serinde does much the same, adding to the length of time it takes him to reach his destination.
It would have been quite odd for him see so many folk who would have been for him but the stuff of legends for the most part, I'd think.
As Tolkien indicated that Imladris was almost forgotten as the proper name for Rivendell, I'm not too surprised the farmer wouldn't recognize it!
It was interesting, writing these stories from Boromir's POV, as I've so seldom dealt with him.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 1: The Arrival
This story is quite unique.I loved the story of how Boromir reached Rivendell.
I liked your Smith with his interest in other people.
Poor Aragorn to be thought so badly of!
I eagerly await more.
Author's reply
I'm glad you find it unique. That drabble has been rather driving me crazy, so when Raksha asked what she did for her birthday fic I found myself compelled to expand on the drabble as a lead-in to the presentation of her story, which I'll post tomorrow, I hope.
Am glad you like the smith--a decent and thoughtful guy, I think. And we know that Strider wasn't thought of highly by the folk in Bree, and heard the taunts about him thrown at the Hobbits by Ferny. Just seemed likely this would be what folks might well think.
And more shall come.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 0: Prologue
What a good idea to start the story from how they all set forth.I'm enjoying this.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Linda. Yes, the quest begins officially when the first one heads for Rivendell.
Antane
· 27 October 2008
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Interesting that they would all hear the horn. I think the way you've brought them all together like this.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The signal that the quest is officially beginning as one future member of the Fellowship sets off for the meeting in Rivendell. So glad you like it.
Antane
· 27 October 2008
· Chapter 1: The Arrival
An interesting new series. Fills in a lot of gaps realistically. Like the little clues from the tale and Boromir retracing the steps - Bree, Weathertop, the torn robe and such.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, he's a bit behind the Chieftain and his four Hobbit companions, and is finding the situation strange, I'd think. I believe that Strider would have taken the knife haft with him, but not the black cloak, so it would have been there for the Rangers to find when they came through.
Thanks so for the comments.