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The Last Word  by jenolas 4 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005
Yes, I bet the Elves of Rivendell would be highly entertained by both sorts of sparring training, Man on Elf, and Man and Dwarf on Hobbit as well. Lovely imagery here.

Author Reply: Glad you think so, it must have indeed been an interesting experience for all.

jenolas

DotReviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/25/2005
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!


Author Reply: Boromir has no idea how well he is predicting the future, but I think tnat happens to everyone once in a while. Only after the event do we realise how true our words were, but unfortunatley he never had the chance to discuss this with Faramir. The honesty is painful to read, but I think Faramir would wish for nothing less.

Yes, the fun loving wizaed was not one to miss a party and probably relished his time with the members of the Fellowship as they waited for the all clear to leave Rivendell.

There was much more common ground among the Nine Walkers than just their ultimate goal, and I so I think that it was easy for them to become friends, and possibly this was one of the reasons they were 'chosen'.

Your comments are appreciated greatly, as always, Dot.

jenolas

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/25/2005
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.)

Author Reply: Yes, there is so much more to Boromir, than his simply being the first to succumb to the ring's influence, a surely his final act of redemption proves. He held a position of respect and power in both his house and in Gondor and, tempered with his compassionate and loving side, would have no doubt made an excellent Steward.

jenolas

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/25/2005
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.

Author Reply: There is no greater reward for a writer, at least in my opinion, than recieiving a coment like yours. That a reader can 'hear' a character or 'see' the evens as if they were actually there gives me a great sense of achievement.

Thank you very much and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

jenolas :)

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