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The Last Word by jenolas	67 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/10/2005
I grieve with Faramir, rejoice that in the end Boromir finally won through, and am glad that Faramir has this knowledge to assist him in dealing with the journal's ending. Alas for Boromir.... Author Reply: Not a happy ending, but nor was it meant to be, but hopefully my story gives Faramir some peace.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/10/2005
Oh how painful these last few chapters were, for both Faramir and for the reader, knowing how soon poor Boromir's downfall would come, knowing how he was being tormented by the Ring. You have captured Boromir's underlying nobility so well; as with Gandalf and Galadriel, the Ring knew that the way to tempt him was by the desire to do good. Sadly, Boromir overestimated his strength to let it "stop there". Yet he managed in the end to throw off the Ring's influence, which must have galled It no end. Very well done! Author Reply: Thank you, it was a very difficult few chapters to write, but also very rewarding. Yes, I imagine the ring was none too impressed with Boromir's final act of rebellion. An honourable and courageous man was the son of the Steward.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/10/2005
I’m sorry to see this one come to an end, but the ending you’ve given it is just perfect. And I guess we’d be into AU territory if you didn’t stop it here!! The opening was very atmospheric. I like the way the darkness, the threat of a storm and the feeling that something is about to happen, all reflect Faramir’s mood as he comes to the end of his brother’s journal. I actually loved the next entry in Boromir’s journal, about the trip down the Anduin. It sounds like he’s having a bit more fun than he should be in those boats… And the idea that he’s slow to believe Legolas’ assertion that they’re unsinkable is very amusing. I get the impression that if the waters were rather less frigid he’d have a go at disproving the elf’s claim ;-) At the same time, though, there’s still a sense of the tension and apprehension that comes with travelling out in the open, and of the increasing suspicions within the Fellowship. Boromir seems to realise that the mistrust is directed at him but there’s a very poignant sense of genuine bewilderment as to why that’s the case. It’s actually very touching that he tries to understand Frodo and is willing to forgive his behaviour because of the great burden of the ring. There’s little doubt that Boromir was almost totally under the spell of the ring by now. How clever of it to show Faramir receiving the love and praise from Denethor that he so often deserved. That must be a very tempting image to Boromir and now that he seems to have trouble separating it from reality, it’s easy to see why his belief that the ring should go to Gondor becomes ever stronger. The last part of the journal must have been so painful for Faramir to read. I thought the piece about Aragorn was a great way of showing just how twisted Boromir’s thoughts have become: “He does not crave power, or the throne, and he will not take the ring, even to use it to save our people and our city.” He’s basically saying that Aragorn is an honourable person and has enough strength not to take the ring, yet somehow in Boromir’s mind that becomes a sign of weakness and an example of how little love Aragorn has for the people of Gondor. He really has lost his grip on reality, yet to the end he wanted what his troubled mind really thought was the best for his family, his people and his home. How frightening, though, to see him decide that the only way was to use force to take the ring from Frodo. My heart went out to Faramir as he screamed and sobbed after reading this. He probably needed to release the last of his grief and despair. But I was so glad the remembered that Boromir had regained his true self and died in such an honourable and selfless way. How lucky for Faramir that he has Merry and Pippin around him to tell him of the Boromir who tried to protect and save them to the end. He’s also had the chance now to be with his brother in some way through the difficult and confusing times he experienced. And such a lovely ending! For the first time in so long there’s sunlight over Mordor. The whole world will pick itself up and start anew, and so can Faramir. This was such a great story, jenolas. It was intriguing, amusing, heart-breaking, and a fascinating look at a complex and often misunderstood character. Bravo! :-) Author Reply: Ai, thank you Dot. I see you understood the imagery as I intended. I thought it may be a little obscure, but with the destruction of the ring comes the chance for Faramir ( and the others) to rebuild their lives. For this in part, they can thank Boromir's final resistance to the ring. Frodo needed to keep it, as we all know. Your very complimentary words are much appreciated.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/9/2005
I was wondering how much you’d show of this time. I love the way you’ve done it. In some ways Boromir’s thoughts seem slightly confused, jumping between events, which I think really shows how turbulent his feelings are at the moment. The image of Gandalf facing the Balrog seems to be imprinted on Boromir’s mind if he was moved to draw it, and I thought it was a wonderful way of portraying the idea that he probably finds it difficult to express in words what happened and how horrific it was for those who watched helplessly. I like Boromir’s description of the Golden Wood being somewhere that he feels safe. It’s easy, I think, for us, as it is for Faramir, to look back and see what Galadriel may have suspected and why Boromir felt so unsettled by her probing gaze but obviously Boromir wouldn’t have known exactly why Galadriel would look into their hearts and he must have been confused and awed, as well as a little guilty and apprehensive at what she might think. All of that comes across very well here. Perhaps Galadriel could have done more to help him realise what dangers lay in his troubled, proud heart but I guess if anyone is experienced in letting things to fate, it’s Galadriel! My heart went out to Faramir in his powerlessness and frustration. I suppose I hadn’t really thought about how Denethor’s act of madness stopped Faramir from having the chance to avenge his beloved brother’s death. Faramir still isn’t completely well here either and as hard as it would be to read Boromir’s increasing torment and confusion, it must actually be so wearying for him to read these entries where the emotions swing so much, where one minute Boromir is the brother Faramir knows and understands, and the next he’s almost a stranger. I should say too how much I like the way you still manage to make Boromir’s thoughts sound reasonable in his mind. Neither Glorfindel nor Gandalf (crikey, I never made the connection before that the two who died such similar deaths were both sent back!!) could defeat a Balrog, the fiercest Elven warriors couldn’t defeat Sauron and the creatures of darkness… so how can Men hope to have any chance without the aid of the Ring? I can certainly see how this all begins to make sense to someone far from home, knowing his home and people are in danger, having witnessed a friend of his killed in such a terrible manner, and already having opened his mind and heart, however unwittingly, to the tempting whispers of the Ring. Not everyone could write Boromir’s mindset in such a believable manner, you know. Ah, he’s discovered the personal reason behind Aragorn’s claim of the throne of Gondor. I loved Boromir’s reaction. It was so very him! He seems to understand the depth of love between Aragorn and Arwen, yet is completely blunt about how manipulative that makes Elrond look and how Denethor would not be pleased if he heard that this was the reason Aragorn came to Minas Tirith! It was very generous of him, though, to remind Aragorn of the dream and to assure him of his love and loyalty. It seems to have given the king-to-be some much-needed hope. I don’t know how, but I’d forgotten that of course Faramir wouldn’t have known about Aragorn and Arwen at this stage either… I’m getting nervous about what’s to come, jenolas! :-) Author Reply: Sorry this reply has taken so long, but RL has been keeping me busy. Aside from the fact that I did not want to 'rehash' what has already been written by Tolkien, I thought that by this stage, extensive descriptions and such would be well beyond Boromir's attention span. His thoughts are becoming increasingly confused and this should be reflected in his writing, or lack thereof. Of course, he is more himself in Lothlorien where the Rinfg has less influence, and he makes some important discoveries, just not the one that may have saved his life! thanks for the continued interest, Dot.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/7/2005
I think Faramir can be forgiven for neglecting the grief of others. It’s certainly not good for him to become so immersed in his brother’s journal and he should really be there for his friends as they suffer too, but I can see why his own grief and need to keep reading this would be too much for him to take on the pain of others’ too. Merry has such strength and an enviable ability to just keep going. I was so glad to see that he brightened up Faramir’s evening and gave him some relief from the increasing hold his brother has over him. It makes me a little afraid of what he’ll feel when he comes to the end of the journal and there’s no more to read. In the middle of it all, I had to laugh at the description of Legolas! It always struck me as a rather bizarre moment in the books when he runs off over the snow to find the sun and I love the suggestion here of amused irritation on everyone else’s part. The increasing difficulty of their journey is coming across very well, as is their exhaustion and the emergence of differing opinions. It sounds like Boromir is being quite forceful in his own beliefs, and suspicions and worries about him are forming in the minds of some of the rest of the Fellowship. His determination to get to Minas Tirith – and the ring with him - is undeniably an obsession now. I thought it was a very frightening image when he sees in the destruction and ruin of Dwarrowdelf the future of his own home. And it seems the ring continues to use Faramir to influence Boromir. I think I gasped aloud at the line “Rest assured that I will heed your advice and try not to let the others dissuade me from following my brother’s sage counsel”! I don’t know which one of them I feel worse for – Boromir as he continues to be plagued by dark thoughts, yet struggling to do what he thinks is right, or Faramir for being unable to tear himself away from his brother’s struggles, just watching in helplessness and despair. This is excellent, jenolas. You’re doing such a great job :-) Author Reply: Thank you for your insightful comments, Dot. Faramir is deep into his own grief, but not so far that he cannot enjoy a brief respite with his friends, and who better than Merry to cheer him? Perhpas Faramir will be able to gain closure after he 'lives' through his brother's anguish, ashe most certainly would have had they been togethher at the end. The end of their suffering is in sight, jenolas

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/6/2005
It is a lonely time for Boromir, now being wooed so with lies by the Ring; and for Faramir, awaiting the outcome of the Battle before the Black Gates. I grieve for both. Author Reply: This is certainly not a ppleasant time in Faramir's life, nor were Boromir's last days. jenolas

mirthor	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/5/2005
My but this has to be getting hard for Faramir to read - more desperate as the pages wear on. Clever to consider the Ring using Faramir to get to Boromir. And why should Boromir not believe it? what with the shared dream with his brother, their hints of elvish blood, Faramir's fey abilities. It's no wonder Boromir would consider this, being under the influence of the Ring. Author Reply: Yes, evil does not need to manifest itself in darkness when using something already well accepted and established, such as the bond between the brothers, will serve the purpose just as well. thanks for your coments jenolas

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/3/2005
Ah, a lovely last two chapters. Boromir again being manipulated, Aragorn being consulted, the pride at the reforging, the awareness of the memory the blade hold, the awareness of the inherent power within the Heir of Elendil-- All very skillfully wrought. Love it. Author Reply: Thank you, and I appreciate you taking the time to review. jenolas

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/3/2005
I get so caught up in Boromir’s journal that I keep forgetting that everyone else is off on the march to the Black Gates!! You did a great job portraying how torn Faramir is between wanting to read more and his reluctance to continue when he has an idea of what is to come. He even comes across as rather jumpy and anxious when Boromir trails off and his fear and sorrow for his brother are clearly resurfacing after the moments of lightness in Imladris. So they’ve reached Hollin… Boromir seemed to be in good enough form. He appears to be quite considerate of his companions and is getting along well with them. He also seems willing to believe Aragorn’s suspicion of the birds and the otherwise empty landscape. I think I tend to forget that Boromir has so much experience with the creatures of Mordor. And the dreams are back. This one seemed particularly powerful. Obviously the ring has found that as well as his love for his city, Boromir’s great weakness is his love for his brother. I was glad Boromir was able to talk to Aragorn and that Aragorn took the time to explain that it might be the ring at work, even confessing his own personal doubts. It’s just a pity that Boromir’s usual strength of character and self-belief means that he can’t see that he could also experience some weakness. My heart goes out to him, though, as he struggles to figure out what’s going on. What a wonderful moment when Boromir admits that he’s still trying to discover Mithrandir’s age. It’s a lovely glimpse into the brothers’ childhood too. Mithrandir must have seemed such a mysterious – and frustrating - figure to them! Author Reply: Yes, there is certainly more than one battle raging at the moment, and perhaps Faramir's and Boromir's inner struggles are in a way symbolic of the more physical one Aragorn goes to fight. Boromir is being forced to change by the ring, but his essence, as indicated by his memories of happier times, remains in tact and this might offer Faramir some comfort at the end. jenolas

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/3/2005
There was something quite poignant about this chapter. I think it’s just that Boromir’s excitement at the prospect of returning home and the way he looks forward so much to seeing his brother again come across so strongly and he never got a chance to do either. I loved that very powerful moment when Boromir feels the history and power of the re-forged sword. It was a nice moment too between Aragorn and Boromir, of understanding, awe and determination. Boromir seems to be growing ever more convinced, though, that there’s more to Aragorn’s decision to claim the throne than it seems. It’ll be interesting to know what he thinks when he discovers what truly lies behind Aragorn’s choice. If he finds out. I don’t blame Boromir one bit for questioning whether it would be good for his people to bring them a king who may not love them as he should. I liked your description of what may have happened when Boromir and Aragorn arrived in Minas Tirith. I think what I liked most was how beloved Boromir is by his people. And it would indeed be interesting to know what Denethor would have done! I just love the thought of Bilbo and Boromir being friends, with Bilbo pleased by Boromir’s keeping of a journal and grateful for his strength in the protection of Merry and Pippin. And what a wonderful gift! Faramir owes that hobbit a lot if his words and gift meant that he now has this journal to bring him closer to his brother. I’m glad there seems to be a few more entries but what an ominous ending! I think Faramir better brace himself for a difficult time if he’s going to continue reading. Author Reply: There are just a few chapters left, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to write such angst, but challenging as well. I guess not all stories have a happy ending, and sadly this is one of them. I am glad you liked the moment with the sword, I think Boromir would have treated it a little more reverently than he did in the movie version. thanks for your comments, Dot. jenolas

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