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Steward and Thain  by Agape4Gondor 5 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/3/2007
Very Pippin, the way he stood up against the wolf. Great courage - foolhardy, sometimes maybe, but gallant. While Aragorn's childhood tale shows him as kind and protective - as well as that danger stalked him even in his safest years. A trap? In Imladris?

And such a shame that that Boromir felt unable to reveal any tales of his past. A darkness lies over him already and he cannot see the light - because, even in the Gondor in which he grew, there must have been brotherly tales he could have told. But he can't really find a way out of this pit into which he has fallen. A moment's relief, perhaps, but no happy ending.

Author Reply: You're right about the tales Boromir could have shared, but I think, even in Lorien, that his heart ws beginning to sink. Hope had filled him for such a long time - hope that Aragorn and at least some of the Fellowship would accompany him to Gondor - it is becoming more and more apparent that this might not be what was going to happen. A bitter pill - for the man of Gondor to go back home empty-handed.

I would hope the ending is happy. For he gave succour to Pippin and he cast aside the control of the ring in the end.

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/2/2007
This was a very interesting chapter. I can see that things are growing a bit darker.

The story of Pippin and the wolf was very good. Aragorn's tale was interesting. I, too, find myself wondering who set a trap in Elrond's land without his knowledge.

The dispute between Boromir and Aragorn is totally believable, and Boromir's concern for the hobbits innocense is endearing. It is sad that they had to learn the horror of war. But their knowledge helped them appreciate the peace even more once it was won.

Looking forward to more, even though I know the road now grows darker.

Author Reply: Dear Garnet Took -

Precocious Pip must have had many an adventure. I never did discover, however, who set the traps. Perhaps Bill the troll? LOL

As for Aragorn and Boromir - what an odd position for the both of them.

I think their knowledge helped them save the Shire, too!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/2/2007
you protected your people.”

“I did,” and Pippin turned to Boromir and smiled. “That is what a Thain does, isn’t it?”

“It is,” and Boromir gave him a great awkward hug.


You show a wonderful balance between the noble Man Boromir truly was, and the desperate, hopeless Son of the Steward that this Quest revealed.

Author Reply: Thanks shirebound. It seems these two continuously look towards what they are supposed to be... yet it is in the friendship that they will both conquer their own demons. Pippin goes on to be a great warrior of Gondor and eventually to a saviour of the Shire, along with his friends, and Boromir shakes off the control of the Ring and saves himself.

There is always hope - they gave it to each other!

Thank you!

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/1/2007
I'm glad to know hobbits knew/know of ghosts since I've written a series of stories in which there are ghosts.

This was good. Good that Pippin was reminded he can stand his ground. Sad that Boromir feels so hopeless.

Beautifully written as always, Agape!

Author Reply: I'll have to look up your ghost stories, Pearl Took. Would love to read them.

As for Pip - yes, he learned how to stand up - something he needed during this entire Quest. I think Boromir helped him see his own worth.

And Boromir, instead of feeling joy at being so close to Gondor, he was instead baffled at Aragorn's waffling. For that is what it must have felt to the man of Gondor. So very, very sad.

Thanks so much for reading and especially for responding! *blushes at compliments*

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/1/2007
So--in his early days Aragorn managed to damage trails himself, before he learned to follow them.

I can understand Boromir's reluctance to tell of battles and death, but the Hobbits don't need as much protection as he fears at the moment. They are far stronger than he realizes.

Author Reply: I don't think Boromir was protecting the Hobbits, but being sensitive to the place they were in and the peace and healing that they were supposed to be receiving - a blessed moment before the last stage of their Quest.

He didn't expect any story of Pippi's to be 'hair-raising' - but I think his asking Aragorn to share might have been a little perverse - perhaps even sarcastic. I don't know.

And yes, I would imagine Aragorn to make a few 'mistakes' as he grew up and trained. Good man!


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