In Empty Lands by Larner
Sweetpea Deepdelver · 12 June 2014 · Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
I'm glad to see that you've continued this story again! It's very good.
Author's reply
I wish it didn't seem to take so long between chapters, but, yes, this story is ongoing. Thank you so!
harrowcat · 12 June 2014 · Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
This was well worth the wait Larner. I see that you are being influenced in your prayers by another author on this site! Cross fertilisation is great. Poor Boromir, chastised by everyone both verbally and by example.
Author's reply
We are always inspiring one another, which is why I, too, on occasion sport the Badge of the Evil Inspiration. Heh! Yes, Boromir has managed to catch it from about everybody this time. But at least they have had some pleasure to help make up for three days full of misery.
Teresa · 11 June 2014 · Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
Tsk, tsk........ Boromir put his foot into that time! Sighs. I'm not surprised that Frodo felt the best way to deal with that remark was by taking care of the clothing and other things. Between their work and the later situation with the bog Boromir did get a better idea of their personalities and skills. His talk with Frodo later also helped him to understand the hobbits better. And it is hard for a person to maintain their balance when they're uncomfortable! I'm glad that Boromir did make his peace with Frodo, and realized the similarities he shared with Faramir. But then Boromir did have a good heart, and if he had dreamt that his thoughtless remark might be overheard he would have either not said it or amended it in some way. Many thanks for posting this, and showing how the group settled during the journey. Chuckle, a very nice mix between showing hard work and a bit of mischievous payback via the laces! :)
Author's reply
Boromir is the one with the least previous exposure to Hobbits, and is the most likely to make such gaffes as this, after all. I'm certain that of all of the Hobbits since Gerontius, Frodo Baggins was best able to demonstrate forethought and competence and to draw those qualities out of others as well. And, as you said, Boromir did have a good heart. As for the broken lace, well, it MIGHT have been merely an accident--or not. Heh!
shirebound · 11 June 2014 · Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
What a wonderful chapter! I'm always appreciative of hobbits earning and getting the respect they deserve. I enjoyed every bit of this, especially the thoughtful details you include such as: the houseplace in which they were camped had been swept clean of twigs, leaves, pebbles, and dirt, the sweepings contained in a corner from which they could be removed easily to lay over the area before they left to hide easy recognition that someone had camped here.
Author's reply
I would think that this would be something they'd practice from the start--doing their best to make it hard to tell from a simple look that someone had been camping in a specific site. And the Hobbits ought not to have needed to earn acceptance and respect, but I suspect they repeatedly had to do so anyway. Thank you so much!
Antane · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 27: Yuletide Cheer
Well, that will teach Boromir to be a little more respectful of mushrooms, won't it? ;) Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky. I am sure Merry and Pippin learned all they know from Frodo, the good and not so. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I suspect that Boromir, once he realizes that Frodo is the cause of his current miseries, will be far more circumspect about rejecting future offerings. If he's wise he might just think in the future of offering what mushrooms fall to his share back to Frodo again! Heh! And I do suspect that Merry and Pippin learned a good deal of mischief from tales of Frodo's exploits. Thanks so, Antane.
Antane · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 26: A Stone and Nearly Half Again of Nothing
Very interesting how imagination and perception can become reality. I think of the Ring too, how it is so heavy to the bearer as Frodo and Sam both feel and that is very real and not imaginative at all, but at the same time only the Bearer is aware of it. Sam does not feel it at all as he carries Frodo. I don't think you meant this nothing to compare with the Ring but it still strikes me. This was a fun chapter. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I can certainly see the parallels between the bearing of the Ring, and particularly as they approach the Mountain, and this. It's not intentional, however--just having some fun at the expense of Pippin and Boromir. Heh! This was a fun story to write, and the plotbunny for it was gnawing at me for a few days before I could get it written out and posted. But I've seen people who have sworn they've seen or experienced things that others swore didn't happen after all, and I thought to capitalize on that situation.
6336 · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 27: Yuletide Cheer
Aragorn knows, from personal experience, just how inventive Frodo can be when it comes to the consequences of ones folly! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, I know! And not only is Frodo inventive, but he can make it look oh, so natural! Heh! I'm glad I finally got to the point I could bring this one over here and add it to the ongoing tale of Boromir's experiences with the Fellowship. Thanks so, Lynda!
Dreamflower · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 27: Yuletide Cheer
Bwhahaha! Poor Boromir! Insult Frodo's mushrooms, will he? I guess he's learned his lesson now! I just love this addition to the many lovely stories of the Fellowship and Yule that different folk have written--I do believe this is your first! How marvelous! It's fun to see which elements of a traditional holiday some people choose to use when transporting our own traditional winter festivities to Middle-earth. (BTW, I am re-reading "Lesser Rings" again. Did you ever do a follow-up story about the Farozi's son and daughter-in-law coming North for a visit? I'd so love to see her take on the Gondorian customs!)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, he's learning. Although this story isn't strictly new--I wrote it a year ago March, but only now got to the point that I could put it into this collection. I just realized I haven't written in Pippin's birthday, which in my-verse is just before Yule--one day I may have him describing to his children how he spent his birthday that year. (And in the last few chapters of Lesser Rings there is a visit to Gondor, if you'll remember! Too bad the Farozi himself didn't come, though.) Thanks so, Dreamflower!
shirebound · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 27: Yuletide Cheer
What a delightful story, so full of the gentle teasing and true affection these wonderful folks would have known. And I'm so hungry now! That was truly a feast.
Author's reply
I do think that there would have developed a good deal of friendship among the members of the Fellowship, and that Yule/Metarre would have been an interesting experience for Boromir, who can get a feeling for how the northerners tend to celebrate the Turning of the Year. And it made you hungry? I guess it makes us honorary Hobbits! Heh! Thanks so, Shirebound.
Agape4Gondor · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 26: A Stone and Nearly Half Again of Nothing
Very much enjoying this tale, though I am unable to post after every chapter. I am reading it voraciously, chuckling at times, and feeling sorrow at others. Nicely written. You are very gifted. And it is a delight to read Boromir.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Agape, and that you were able to respond to this chapter, at least. Some of the preparation for this epic journey must have been at least a bit funny, if the nine Walkers were not go to mad with anticipation and dread; and I'm certain that Elrond and Gandalf were both glad to see the Hobbits and Boromir particularly doing their best to distract themselves as they could. And I am so honored! I didn't write much about Boromir at all for so long that this tale that focuses so much on him has been a relief!
Tari · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 26: A Stone and Nearly Half Again of Nothing
Pippin is carry a package of nothing? That is too funny. What's even funnier is that he really believes it weighs more that 20 pounds. It's amazing what the imagination will do.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, our imaginations are very important to how we perceive the world, and I'm certain that Bilbo and Frodo capitalized on that capacity for belief on more than one occasion to try to keep young Pippin distracted from possible disasters or to remind him of proper decorum when he'd gone past even their endurance. Heh! Thanks so, Tari! We have a talking scale we bought one summer when touring Britain in search of antiques and oddities, and it tells aloud how much what is being weighed is in stones and pounds. It got a good deal of attention from the people who heard us weighing their packages they were sending via U.P.S. on it! But as all of our electronics spoke for the benefit of my blind spouse, our shop was always getting repeat visits from those who wanted to see what new gadgets we'd been able to find.
shirebound · 20 July 2013 · Chapter 26: A Stone and Nearly Half Again of Nothing
How fascinating! I found this to be a very interesting read, and will be thinking about the power of imagination today.
Author's reply
It has been long said that in sex, a good imagination is an important part of enjoying and treasuring the intimacy shared, and I know from far too personal experience how imagination can work against us when we are afraid. Why this idea struck me for this story I don't know, but I certainly had a lot of fun with it! Heh! Thanks so, Shirebound!
Dreamflower · 20 July 2013 · Chapter 26: A Stone and Nearly Half Again of Nothing
This is absolutely hilarious and adorable! Thank you for such a fun start to my day--I'll be giggling about it all morning long! Poor Boromir! *snerk* This kind of reminded me of Grey Wonderer!
Author's reply
It was great fun to write it, believe me! The idea first hit me about four days ago, and yesterday, in spite of all I'm SUPPOSED to be writing, I had to write it out before it had a chance to gnaw my leg off! Heh! And to be compared to GW's masterful comedy is a wonderful compliment! Thank you so, Dreamflower! Glad I could give a few giggles!
Antane · 10 November 2012 · Chapter 25: Departure
Nice to see another chapter and how well provisioned the Company is! I certainly would join in with Boromir's enjoyment of a real bed for the last time in a long time. The journey begins at last... Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I would expect that Elrond's people would all do their best to see that the Fellowship was well prepared for whatever bad weather they might face during the first portion of their journey, at least. And several of these had reason to know just how treacherous winter journeys can possibly be. Thanks so, Antane.
Tari · 7 November 2012 · Chapter 25: Departure
Bill is not the only one carring a heavy burden. Frodo's burden is far greater than any living creature has ever born. Well done
Author's reply
I doubt very much that Bill thinks of his load anywhere as heavy as Frodo does his own. Bill, at least, is doing precisely what he expects of his life, and travels with those he now knows and loves. And his burden grows largely lighter by the day, unlike Frodo's.
shirebound · 7 November 2012 · Chapter 25: Departure
Oh my, I just love the details of their equipment, packing, and preparations. You make it so real and logical. What a wonderful story.
Author's reply
I'd expect that Elrond, Glorfindel, and the smith, who after all came to Middle Earth over the Helcaraxe, would wish to see those in the Fellowship prepared fpr all contingencies. Thank you so, Shirebound!
Dreamflower · 5 November 2012 · Chapter 25: Departure
A great chapter describing the departure. I loved this bit of description: “And may the blessings of Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, and Men and all of the free peoples be upon all of you,” the Peredhel intoned, or so Boromir remembered it afterward. He found he heard better the sound of the blood moving through his veins behind his ears, now that the moment of departure was upon them at last. He felt only eagerness to be upon their way, to have his feet at last headed southward once more. He could not bear to remain idle a moment longer! And so they are on the way!
Author's reply
It must have been very difficult for him to have remained stationary as he did for so long, so far from home and his responsibilities to his people. Now at least they are moving, and in the right general direction for his purposes. He does not realize how great a hold on his loyalties the Ring will exercise, much less how it has caught already at his imagination. But that final delay just to be bade farewell and blessed must have been an exquisite form of torture for him to endure. So glad that this bit of description resonates with you! Have felt this way myself a time or two, when a long-delayed time finally comes! Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Antane · 3 November 2012 · Chapter 24: Final Gathering
I wish I was there to see that expression myself! Aragorn is wise to bar entrance. :) Interesting that Boromir sees the link already between Aragorn and Faramir and how that will play out. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, it would have been priceless. But Aragorn has reason to know just how devious Frodo can prove, although in this case I think that Frodo just might forgive the trick played upon him. And it was fun to expand just a bit on that drabble and a half!
Teresa · 3 November 2012 · Chapter 24: Final Gathering
Sighs happily....... I loved seeing how Sam and the others plotted their mischief against Frodo, and drew Aragorn, Boromir, and Halbarad into it! It's always great to find one of your chapters to read; you add so much to Middle Earth. I also enjoyed seeing how Boromir's feelings towards Aragorn change as he learns more about him, and how he realizes what similarities there are between Aragorn and Faramir. I really wish that the three of them had been called home to Gondor by the silver horns to be met at the Citadel by Arwen, Eowyn, and Boromir's lady. I'm sure that he would have found her and he too would have raised a fine family! What can I say, I'm always a sucker for the happy ending, and each of the Fellowship earned one! As always, many thanks for posting this! :)
Author's reply
I've had fun thinking of ways in which Sam might at times felt that his Master needed a bit of--correction--if it could be done in such a way as to get Frodo smiling and a bit happier and more involved with life. We know he could work with conspiracies, so it stands to reason he'd get involved in such a one as this. It would have been so neat had Boromir also found himself being able to travel in such company to return to a lady of his own. And I keep imagining he might have met someone in Eriador who might just have caught his eye. As for the Hobbits involving Aragorn and his kinsman--well, why not? Heh! They need some lighthearted moments as well!
Kitty · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 23: The Battle of the First Snowfall
Oh, I know what Boromir means about the short days. Knowing about it is one thing, but seeing it for yourself another matter altogether. For me the difference was driven home when we were on holidays in Norway and Iceland, that was far enough north to notice the difference clearly. Of course, Frodo needs to have his snowball fight :) Just because they aren't at home there's no need to forget about traditions, after all. How nice of Boromir to join in! Even he needs some fun. It was even better when Glorfindel and Gimli came to join the battle. In any case, Gandalf found the best way to end it – bribe the Hobbits with food and they will drop everything, after all.
Author's reply
We're pretty far north ourselves, here in the Pacific Northwest. I'd noted flying to Arkansas for summer visits how much shorter the summer days were there; while our early spring visits to England showed us how being just that much further north of our latitude caused their seasons to lag behind that of Washington. Washington's daffodils would be past their bloom, and in England they'd just be starting to open! And I loved giving them all a good snowball fight! Yes, bribe a Hobbit with food and you can get him to leave other enterprises--although it might lead to your hat being covered with snow! Heh! Anyway, the next chapter is finally up.
Kitty · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 22: All the King's Men
Reading how Boromir is so homesick and misses his brother makes me more sad that he never returned to Minas Tirith, even though I am not sure how things would have changed then. Sauron and his people left quite the destruction all over the country. The South seems to have been better off for most of the time, as they were more numerous. But reading this reminder of the wars in Middle-earth left me wondering once again if humankind is ever going to learn that wars don't achieve anything than death and destruction. Nothing has really changed since back then, has it? Anyway, nice history lesson and refresher course for me, too ;) Good of Erestor to mention how much respect Aragorn has for Boromir and Faramir. Though sadly Boromir is right about his father. If Denethor hadn't died, I sometimes wonder how things would have gone. I doubt he'd have allowed Aragorn to lead the men to the Black Gate or anything else that happened.
Author's reply
I know--we all fantasize at times of how things might have gone had Boromir and then Denethor managed to survive. And I do think that Aragorn came to respect Boromir, even as Boromir came to admire Aragorn in return both as they awaited the leaving of the Fellowship and even more during the quest. And Boromir needed the reminder that Arnor, too, has a great history and was not always the wilderness he saw during his own journeys.
Kitty · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 21: Reforged
That was a lovely description of the reforging of Narsil/Anduril. I like the idea of the song showing the historical context in which the sword was used before and the way all the races worked together.
Author's reply
I've always felt that the war could not be won unless all peoples stood together against Sauron, so it made sense that this sword, originally forged by a dwarf and given to an Elf and then passed on to a Man would need the cooperation of all peoples, also, to be remade. And I have a wee Pomeranian pickpocket sticking his little head into my potato chips bag to steal crisps to share with his sister! Aack!
Kitty · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 20: Talk of Paths to be Trod
Boromir certainly noticed exactly what was off with Théoden and how he was falling under Gríma's influence. His description sounds rather accurate. All in all, he gave them fair warning that there would be problems with Rohan, thanks to that slimy sycophant. This was in hindsight really the worst part of the journey, save Frodo's way to Mordor, of course. Saruman and Gríma caused way too much trouble. It was probably good that they were at least warned, even though it didn't help much in the end.
Author's reply
I so agree. Saruman's betrayal of the West was perhaps the worst thing that could happen in the end. But it allowed at last for Gandalf to return as the White in his stead, with more authority and more usable power.
Kitty · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 19: Return of the Scouts
Seems Boromir recognizes his own strengths and failings and how much better suited his brother would have been for this particular job. But there would be too many possibilities to really guess how it would have gone if Faramir had come, as I have realised over time. They certainly made sure to search everywhere as well as they could. And they were well armed, indeed! Leaving Bill behind would have been hard, so I completely understand Sam's feelings. Though we know they had to send him back in the end – and that was so sad! – the pony was useful.
Author's reply
I can't believe I missed responding to these, Kitty! I am so sorry! Obviously I need to update more often! It would have been devastating to Sam to leave Bill in Rivendell, so I'm so glad they decided to take him, too, as far as they did. And searching for the Nagul must have been a hard job, but one they had to do to make certain they weren't lurking around to attack the Fellowship once it was on its way. And by the time he got to Rivendell, I'm sure Boromir must have realized that the Ranger brother would most likely have done far better than he did.
Antane · 20 January 2012 · Chapter 23: The Battle of the First Snowfall
How nice to celebrate this first snow with some joy in Frodo's heart! It's snowing out now as I read this. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It was snowing as I finally set myself to finishing this chapter, whose beginning has been written for months! Glad you enjoyed it, and that Frodo enjoyed it, too! Had to do a reference to "The First Snowfall of the Season" and a few of my other stories, you know.