meckinock
· 11 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
Lothiriel is just adorable. I loved the scene with her and Emeldis at the beach. I felt so sorry for Emeldis, thinking that it's just a matter of time before Lothiriel realizes she's just a political pawn (and I'm so relieved she's wrong!)
But good grief - how on earth did Denethor manage to choose the one society girl in Gondor who wouldn't have sold her baby brother for the chance to marry the heir of the Steward. All they needed to do was hold a debutante ball and marry Boromir off to the last girl standing. It's painful to watch this!
And dear Boromir - ‘I daresay you will go off them when you have them round you all the time,’ he assured her cheerfully. ‘I would rather deal with a troop of soldiers – they are far less trouble.’
LOL, so true, so true.
I wonder what is going on with Emeldis's mother now...
Author's reply
I think Emeldis is beginning to get over feeling pawn-like - after all, being married to Boromir can't be all that bad! Especially since he has turned out to have a well-hidden soft heart. (And Lothiriel's marriage could have been a truly cold-hearted political move. I'm glad it wasn't!)
Denethor, I think, had a pretty good idea of what he wanted in his son's wife ... and he might even have had his son's welfare in mind for some of it! He did look outside the predictable families - partly, I think, because many noble families tend to be a bit effete, and not always that productive, child-wise. And he wouldn't have wanted to increase the power of the girl's father. But there must have been a lot of frustrated ladies in Gondor on Boromir's wedding night!
Emeldis's mother has a whole back story - and, unfortunately, none of it made it beyond hints! I might have to explain it after the next chapter!
Linda Hoyland
· 11 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
This is a very interesting AU exploring what if Boromir had not been a confirmed batchelor as Tolkien suggests. This is a very vivid depiction of what marriage might have been like for Boromir and the girl his father chose.
I love your characterisations of Faramir,Imrahil and the ladies.
Author's reply
Gondor needs heirs. It surprises me that Denethor hadn't married off at least his older son. Boromir and Faramir were in such dangerous positions and if they were killed, what would Denethor do? It would open the way to that dratted Thorongil - who was probably only waiting for Denethor to show weakness. Sons, and plenty of them, would make it much harder for anyone to present himself as king without tearing Gondor apart.
Thank you. I am particularly fond of Imrahil's family. Well ... And Faramir. And Boromir.
French Pony
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
Well, there's a promising start to a marriage. One would think that, if one were going to arrange a marriage for one's son without any say-so from the son involved, one would at least wish to give the son a few pointers. But if one did that, one would not be Denethor, I guess.
Emeldís is a real mensch, making the best of what has to be a desperately unpleasant situation. I can't imagine that this will be a happy or a successful pregnancy.
On the other hand, this:
A wife, Boromir had discovered, was not comparable to a junior officer.
is just Boromir all over.
Author's reply
Denethor would have his eye on the family tree. Heirs are vital - especially as war comes closer and closer. And the more of his line available, the harder it would be for anyone to come out of the north and claim kingship without tearing Gondor apart. And Thorongil wouldn't do that.
It's a difficult situation - two barely acquainted people expected to procreate enthusiastically. And harder on her - Boromir at least has his normal life to live while away from the city.
Poor Boromir. He seems the sort who might be rather alarmed by the sort of girl Emeldis is. Although I think he has a gentle streak he tries to hide - one excited by women like his mother, children and animals.
mirthor
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
Nice job with Boromir's characterization so far. Thanks for sharing.
Author's reply
Thank you. I like Boromir - who seems the sort of man who would be very gentle with women, children and animals. And not gentle at all with men. But fair.
Ellie
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
This is a very interesting story so far. I usually dont' read anything but elf tales, but since you are the author I took a gander and am enjoying it very much! I feel so sorry for both Boromir and his reluctant wife.
The news does seem to be good though. I look forward to the next update.
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you've come along for the ride. An arranged marriage would probably be the norm among people like Denethor - but it must add to the difficulty of learning to live together. Emeldis isn't unwilling, really, but she is nervous about her marriage.
Good news. At the moment. Can't last, though!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
I feel so sorry for both Boromir and Emeldís here - their wedding was so cold and soulless! Particularly Emeldís - she seems so very young, and from a very manipulative family.
Poor Boromir is trying his best to put her at her ease, but he seems young and uncertain himself. The only part that rings untrue is his hesitancy over her name - I feel that at the very least he'd have learned everything he could about her, even if they had never met before the wedding.
I just know that this is going to end in tragedy - Emeldís's death in childbirth, I would guess :(
A lovely, sad tale, Bodkin.
Jay
Author's reply
Emeldis is very young. Might be a good thing in some ways - Boromir is being much more careful and gentling her along. I don't know that he would so much if she was a court sophisticate - he might expect one of those to know the score more.
Yes - it is doubtless an exaggeration to have him uncertain of her name. Although I think it was her sister who was on Denethor's list. And her father is seen in court circles, but her mother isn't.
It can't end happily really, can it? Boromir doesn't leave heirs of his body. Probably for the best as far as the restored kingdom goes - but sad for him.
Lady Bluejay
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
I am really enjoying this - can't wait to find out why he's not got a wife anymore.
Loved this line - ‘Only Father,’ he said bitterly, ‘would be able to rob the act of all its pleasure.’
Great writing all round. LBJ
Author's reply
Can you just imagine picturing Denethor and his intentions when - h'mm - entertaining yourself? Oh no - not good.
I feel that Boromir is very gentle with women, children and animals, too. While he is being pushed by his father into being precipitate!
daw the minstrel
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
You do such a nice job with these characters, Bodkin. Boromir is his confident self but this forced marriage and commanded fatherhood have left him on shaky ground. His trust in Faramir's cleverness is touching.
Author's reply
Poor Boromir doesn't have much experience in this line! And I do see him as having loved his mother dearly - and learned to have a gentle hand with females and children. He always seems protective of those he sees needing his care - while he is able to be hard and suspicious when dealing with men. Except his little brother, whom he trusts implicitly.
perelleth
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
A nice discusion on the differences between marriage and a military campaign there!
This flows so naturally, from Denethor's insistence (understandable in his place) to Faramir's helpful plotting, to the girl's shy yet well defined personality. But I loved most Boromir here. He's a man of action, who will not spend time opposing a circumstance that is beyond his control, but rather will employ his talents in performing in the best of manners, as he has been raised to do and as he also expects of himself.
It seems to me that he truly cares for the girl, even if he has not yet had time to see her fully as his wife, but his conversation with his uncle shows a conscious, inquisitive mind, interested in mastering the secrets of this new role he has been thrown into. And, again, I love all discussions of marriage that you spread along the chapter, through different voices.
This is a very calm, thought-provoking and intimist piece, Bodkin. I'm really liking it.
Author's reply
Boromir is a natural soldier, I think. Other skills had to be acquired - with practice!
I do think it astonishing that Denethor hadn't married his sons off to produce the next generation of heirs - especially considering how dangerous life was getting in Gondor. I can only suppose that his obsession with the Palantir distracted him. A lack of heirs would play into Sauron's hands, after all.
Boromir would possible have been a bit more comfortable with a girl who was a bit older and more worldly-wise, but a young wife definitely arouses the protective instincts that he shows with the hobbits and Faramir. And that is a good beginning for someone like him - and he would want to do the job well.
Thank you - I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Dreamflower
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
Oh dear. It looks as though Boromir could have had a chance at married happiness, if only what it is clear has to happen didn't happen...
I love your Imrahil and his family. They are delightful--the prince, his wife and the children. It was so clever of Faramir to think of his brother taking his wife there for a belated honeymoon. They are the family that the brothers look to when they need comfort and affection.
And something that Boromir said sparked a little plot bunny for me. If it bears fruit, I'll let you know.
Author's reply
Poor Boromir. Imrahil and his family are among my favourites. (Like so many others, actually!) It definitely did Emeldis good to see her husband in the midst of his easy-going Dol Amroth kin.
And a plot bunny! That sounds good!
Kitty
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ensuring the Succession
How very typical of Denethor to marry his son off, practically with the order to produce a heir as soon as possible. I wonder if he thinks the more heirs he and his sons produce the less he has to fear a certain Thorongil ... though that probably doesn't make much sense.
Poor Boromir and Emeldís - they are in an awkward situation. And for Emeldís it is probably even more difficult, as she is the one who has to conceive and who has to stay back in Minas Tirith while Boromir is away with his warriors.
How helpful of Faramir to think of this holiday in Dol Amroth to give his brother and his wife some time for themselves, to relax and simply talk. Even if it seems the heir is already on his way ...
Emeldís is a nice girl, and now I am a bit worried what will happen to her. I truly hope you don't plan to kill her off in childbed or the like.
Author's reply
I don't like heartless Denethor - but I do think he wasn't the same after Finduilas died, and he was getting more and more immersed in trying to keep Gondor safe. And one of the things that would do that would be to have heirs of the Stewards' line ready to serve the country. And it seems odd that he wouldn't have done something about that. He wouldn't, I think, have remarried - but he had two adult sons to do the job.
Thorongil would have had a harder task - to come up against three or four entrenched generations of Denethor's line, all of them resistant to his arrival. Lots of potential for civil war. A good part of his easy accession was Faramir's gracious and instant acceptance of him.
Arranged marriages are all very well when both sides accept them fully - and are mature enough to learn to live with each other. Emeldis, stuck in Minas Tirith, probably would have the harder job - especially as custom is fairly understanding of men who stray!
Faramir is intelligent - I'm sure that's part of the reason Denethor found him difficult. And I do love Imrahil's family.
As for Emeldis ... Well - the outcome is unlikely to be happy. Boromir didn't, after all, leave heirs of his body.
Linda Hoyland
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
This is very unexpected, I can hardly wait to see what happens next !
Author's reply
It surprised me, too! One of those stories that comes fully formed and demands attention!
SlightlyTookish
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
What an interesting concept. I'm looking forward to hearing more :)
Author's reply
Thank you! It's all written - so the next part will come as soon as I've had a chance to check it over. No more hobbits until the Epilogue, I'm afraid!
mirthor
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Excellent so far. More please :)
Author's reply
Thank you. It's done - so soon. Tonight, probably.
Author Reply: Bearing in mind that it's morning here.
perelleth
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Yes, the hobbits did live a secluded, privileged life indeed. I am curious, although fervently hoping that you have not abandoned Finrod.. ;-)
Author's reply
Finrod says, 'What is time to an elf?' ... He is currently on a hill at the edge of a pine forest with Amarie - and he isn't bothered about moving at the moment!
This just jumped at me and wanted to be written. It's all finished though and my mind is returning to Finrod.
Hobbits seem to have been granted a very nearly perfect place in a dangerous world. (I think they represent wish fulfilment - the kind of place we would want for our children.)
Kitty
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Unusual to have you write not about our favourite elves, but an interesting plot bunny nonetheless. Oh yes, from Pippin's POV it is pretty obvious that Boromir *can't* be married, as he can't imagine Boromir could have left his wife behind, coming from the peaceful Shire as Pippin himself is.
And Tolkien neglected to tell us Boromir was once married? About time someone tells us the story ;) - I look forward to more.
Author's reply
This story just appeared one day and said, 'Write me!'
The Shire is such a peaceful and perfect place. Anywhere that gets over-excited about the idea of adventure isn't going to understand that there were probably generations of Gondorian women who brought up children on their own after their soldier husbands had been killed. Aragorn would, though.
I don't recall (looking over my shoulder uneasily) that Tolkien ever mentioned the topic. Judging from the number of people who didn't, apparently, have mothers, he probably didn't consider such matters important - except in a very small number of cases. (And then Aragorn had to wait for the Appendix to have his romance revealed.)
harrowcat
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
So Bodkin, with what did you bribe Boromir to get him to confide his story to you? *g* I'm with all your other reviewers - now you have dangled the tempting bait - do tell - and sooooon!
Author's reply
It's not me! It's that Pippin Took - he has a silver tongue.
The whole story emerged complete - so it's written. The next chapter just needs a good read through - it'll probably arrive on Friday.
mearasrider
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
awesome job!!;)
Author's reply
Thank you! More soon.
French Pony
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Now there's an intriguing answer, especially given the strong Roman Catholic underpinnings of this world. The marriage doesn't seem to have lasted long at all, given Boromir's age and the age of the memories, but it does seem to have left an indelible impression on him. One does get the feeling that the end of his marriage, however it happened, was his idea.
Author's reply
I've been counting on my fingers - and maybe Boromir was exaggerating a bit. I wrote some more then - and then decided that it was probably better not to outline the whole story at this point! Perhaps I'll just pronounce a mysterious, 'H'mm!' and add - more soon.
Dot
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Ooh, interesting! I look forward to seeing where you take this. And I must say, I love Pippin's logic - you can tell he comes from a very secure place where it's easy to take into consideration the needs of individuals.
Memories two decades old stirred up and choked the man of Gondor, like the dust in a long-abandoned room. What a wonderful, evocative description.
Ok, Boromir, keep talking.
Author's reply
The Shire almost seems completely out of place in Middle-earth - it is so peaceful in such a dangerous world. But family is really important there - and there don't seem to be many political considerations while there are no military considerations ... the outside world must have come as a huge shock to hobbits.
I've been counting and I think Boromir might have been exaggerating with the two decades. Unless he just meant more than 10 and less than 20. I'm glad you like that line!
Boromir's talked out. Part two will probably come tonight.
Armariel
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Ooooooooo.....Boromir!!! *slurp* and married once?? whoaaa.....this sounds interesting indeed...must have...more soon....*gasp*
And Pippin is...so Pippin...hehehe......
Ahhhh!!!!!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
You sound quite excited at the idea! A secret Boromir admirer? There will be more soon. Boromir insisted on telling the whole story in one go! Two chapters plus the prologue and epilogue.
Pippin is a charmer. And Boromir, I think, has a much softer heart than he wants anyone, (particularly a scruffy Ranger), to think.
Dreamflower
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Oh, wow! Yes indeed! This *is* a different take on things.
I love how hobbity Pippin's assumptions are in this. Of *course* someone with a wife couldn't just pick up and leave her behind! They all find the idea unthinkable. And Boromir's reaction to the realization that is what they believe is very realistic--it's hard for him to imagine a world where family comes first as a natural matter of course. And in the case of the three cousins, it *is*--as they put their family ties to one another first, even before closer blood ties. But they also clearly consider marriage to fall into an even more special category.
But Boromir's answer? Wow, that packed a wallop! I don't believe I've *ever* read a fic that wasn't clearly AU, in which Boromir was or had been married. It seems from his reaction that it ended tragically--and so I hope we will learn all about it. Great work as always--I do wish you'd write hobbits more often--you have a wonderful handle on them!
Author's reply
The Shire is such a green and pleasant land compared to the outside - and the hobbits seem to have a different perspective on life. (I then think Aragorn / Dunedain and see a whole different world!) Gondor has been sitting at Mordor's borders with the situation worsening steadily for a long time - it must be almost impossible for Boromir to visualise the Shire.
Under those circumstances - well - it seems quite likely to me that Boromir might have married. The whole story came in one go, so the next part will be along soon!
I'm flattered to think you like the way I write hobbits! But they don't talk to me very often - I think they already feel they have enough great chroniclers!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
*Splutters*
Boromir? Married? I want to hear more!
Jay
Author's reply
So he tells me! And he wouldn't stop talking until I knew all about it - so there will be more tonight!
Agape4Gondor
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Wow - knocked my socks off with this one. Love Pip - love the question - first and last - and am stunned by the answer.
Though Denethor did not marry till he was in his late 50's.... I'd expected the same for his sons....
But I like the idea - Pray, continue.
Author's reply
I've been doing sums ... Going back and looking at the age at which the Stewards produced their heirs, (until Egalmoth, by which time I got bored), it varied between 29 and 52. And I suppose that the heir might not have always been the first-born. I did think that, with the situation worsening in Gondor, family considerations might come into it - there don't seem to be known connections on Denethor's side.
I hope you continue to enjoy this! It's a fairly short story - only two chapters, plus the prologue and epilogue.
Lianna
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 0: A Question Asked
Ooh, this is a good idea.
Now that you've made me think about it, it would be odd if Boromir, at his age, hadn't been married at least once. But he can't have a surviving son, can he? If he had one, Faramir wouldn't become Steward when Boromir dies. Of course, he could have a daughter. Or several daughters. Or a son who died. And what happened to his wife? I'm looking forward to you telling us all that.
Author's reply
I'm nodding wisely here at the speculations. But I'm not saying!
The story arrived as a piece and demanded that I stuck at it until it was written, so the next chapter will arrive as soon as I have a chance to read it through properly. Tonight, probably.
I hope you continue to enjoy the tale.