Steward and Thain by Agape4Gondor
Pipkin Sweetgrass · 1 December 2010 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
I just loved this story! You were well within character and the story as well as the writing was well done. I loved Aragorn's take on things...I think perhaps he imagined young Boromir and was quite moved...all in all, a blessing of a story. Thank you!
Soledad · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 1: Along the Bruinen
Awww, Boromir-Pippin friendship! *melts into a puddle* That gets me every time. I've begun to work myself through your stories, and it's such a delight to find so many tales about my favourite Man of Gondor.
Pipkin Sweetgrass · 8 April 2007 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Oh, my goodness gracious, but this gave me chills it was so good. Please, post this at Boromir's Journal? This was just beautifully rendered, and I too have wept, for your words broke my heart...
Author's reply
Many thanks for your comments and support during this, Pipkin! I sent you a PM requesting the link for Boromir's Journal - I am most honoured to be asked to include it!
Bodkin · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Pippin the Thain. I love his devotion to Boromir - and his grief at failing to save Denethor. However, I'm sure Boromir would have been only thankful that Pippin managed to rescue Faramir - and that his brother was there for the dawn of a new world of hope.
Author's reply
I like that thought, Bodkin - Faramir there for the dawn of a new world. And yes - Pip, I believe, was devoted to Boromir - else where would he have gotten the courage to pledge his fealty to the Steward??? I absolutely adore the line in ROTK about Denethor's last night alive and the horror and pity Pippin had for the Steward as he sat in lonely vigil with his 'dying' son! 'No hours so dark had Pippin known, not even in the clutches of the Uruk-hai. It was his duty to wait upon the Lord, and wait he did, forgotten it seemed, standing by the door of the unlit chamber, mastering his own fears as best he could. And as he watched, it seemed to him that Denethor grew old before his eyes, as if something had snapped in his proud will, and his stern mind was overthrown. Grief maybe had wrought it, and remorse. He saw tears on that once tearless face, more unbearable than wrath.' *sobs* - thank you, Bodkin, for your support during this tale!
Bodkin · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 5: Lorien
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's 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.
Golden · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Very nice Story. I enjoyed all those Chapters a lot! :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I enjoyed writing it - well, till the ending. LOL
Larner · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Harsh and unforgiving he became, Denethor. So sad an occurance.
Larner · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I'm glad Aragorn was there to stand by Pippin at that moment. They needed one another, and Pippin especially needed Aragorn's reassurance.
Author's reply
It's funny when you write, as you probably know, Larner - but Gandalf was the one who I envisioned standing next to Pippin - but up pops Aragorn. AND it was perfect. I think. They did need one another. Aragorn was there helping to heal those hurt during the battle, especially by the Black Breath. And who needed healing too - but too concerned for Merry to ask for himself. Delightful Hobbit! Good man! AND now Pippin's real lord, as King of Arnor and Gondor.
Paladin1420 · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I really, really enjoyed this story. I love your style and the way you present the conversations among the characters. Thank you for writing this.
Author's reply
Thank you, Paladin. I most appreciate your support and comments!
Garnet Took · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Oh how bittersweet. Knowing that Boromir stopped talking to Pippin after the rapids is heartbreaking. Pippin must have felt the weight of the world on him as he watched Denethor sink deeper and deeper into his madness. Knowing that Faramir survived because of him at least is a small consolation. He had learned so much about looking out for those in need from Boromir. Great job.
Author's reply
Garnet - was a fey time. 'No hours so dark had Pippin known, not even in the clutches of the Uruk-hai. It was his duty to wait upon the Lord, and wait he did, forgotten it seemed, standing by the door of the unlit chamber, mastering his own fears as best he could. And as he watched, it seemed to him that Denethor grew old before his eyes, as if something had snapped in his proud will, and his stern mind was overthrown. Grief maybe had wrought it, and remorse. He saw tears on that once tearless face, more unbearable than wrath.' from ROTK He did learn a lot and he taught Boromir a lot too. Blessed Hobbit, blessed man! Thank you so much for your support and your comments. Most appreciated!
Pearl Took · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
You are most welcome! I hope the tears were cathartic for you :-) I'm so glad you wrote this!
Author's reply
They were most cathartic, Pearl Took. I realized as I wrote the Epilogue that Pippin was saying his final good-byes to Boromir and, as in most of my writings, that I was being helped to say good-bye to my house (I put it up for sale last Friday!). Eru is good. And thank you for your support! Most appreciated to have a Took enjoy this!
Pearl Took · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
“You saved his brother.” “That is what a Thain does, isn’t it?” *********** He grew up so much. Boromir would have been so proud of him, and Merry as well. I'm so glad that Faramir walked out of the woods of Ithilien if only so Pippin could save him and love him as he had loved his older brother. This is a beautiful story, Agape, simply beautiful. The ending is perfect. Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Oh! Pearl Took - what a beautiful image of Faramir walking out of Ithilien into Pippin's life. Yes - a beautiful conclusion to this. I believe Boromir's love of Faramir was imbedded in Pippin and therefore Pip was able to love Faramir immedietely. And quickly learned to respect him! Thank you for the comment about the ending. As I said in my AN - it was time. Boromir could share no more.... Sadly.
shirebound · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
You wrote a beautiful story, and a beautiful tribute to Boromir. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Author's reply
Thank you - sometimes a story HAS to be written. I was grateful I was given the opportunity to write this. Blessings!
Garnet Took · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 5: Lorien
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's 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!
shirebound · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 5: Lorien
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's 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 Took · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 5: Lorien
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's 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*
Larner · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 5: Lorien
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's 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!
Larner · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
Ah, but yes, he knew your father, Boromir--knew him well, and saw you as a toddler, even. And he's right, although if his son ever did such a thing it's likely there would be a discipline intended to cause the child to think more clearly as to what the results of the action might be as well, although I doubt Aragorn would ever thrash his son.
Author's reply
You are VERY right here, Larner. I'd hoped someone would notice that! Aragorn did know Denethor! And yes, I believe Denethor was correct in disciplining Boromir, but I think Aragorn would have wished for a gentler handling of that. Especially since he might possibly have held Boromir on his knee as a babe... possible. In all my tales, I have never had Denethor hit one of his boys, but as Pippin was telling about his own thrashing, I remembered that in older days, many parents believed corporal punishment was not only necessary, but imperative. So Denethor's thrashing of Boromir was not done in anger, nor as retribution, or revenge, but in a fatherly fashion - to help his son to grow up and learn from his mistakes. I have had such a thrashing from my own father, one time, and it was clearly needed and I have NEVER forgotten it nor the lesson learned. I shudder even now thinking of it.
Pearl Took · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
"...You could join…” He saw the look of horror in Pippin’s eyes. “I have to save my people,” Boromir moaned. “Is that what a Steward does, Boromir?” “I confess I am not sure what a Steward does, not since joining this Fellowship. Before, it was all cut and clear as glass. I would fight the evil as I do now, I would govern my people, and I would help Gondor grow strong again. As my father has tried to do. But now, the world is larger to me.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This chapter is wondrous! There is so much here to chew on, this confession not the least. So beautifully done, Agape!
Author's reply
Pearl Took - thank you! I love the lines of Boromir about his changing attitude. He was wise and smart and had to have his eyes opened at the Council. Though he was VERY right in saying that Gondor bore the brunt of the battle, due to the fact that they lived on Mordor's front door! - but he could not have failed to note, and appreciate, the struggle of others! Thank you for reading and especially for responding!
Grey Wonderer · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
Another very lovely chapter. I am enjoying the way this friendship is growing with each new story.
Author's reply
Very glad you're enjoying this. I am too!
Fiondil · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
I've been enjoying this story from the beginning. Pippin and Boromir are obviously becoming good friends, supporting one another and encouraging one another, something they both need and cannot get from other members of the Fellowship. I enjoyed the revelations of their childhood escapades and I liked that Aragorn's voice sounded like Gandalf's to Boromir when Aragorn joined the converation. Of course, I was hoping to hear him tell them about one of *his* escapades as a child and how he was punished for it. *grin* I look forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Fiondil. I truly enjoy your Elf Interrupted along with your other writings. I don't usually read Elves, but Finrod and Glorfindel are favorites. As for this story, most stories I've read have Merry and Pippin kind of 'stuck' to each other with nary a moment to learn anything about the rest of the members of the Fellowship. But when I thought of the similarities of these two 'dissimilar' people, I wanted to explore it further. Pippin's love is child-like, the best kind ever. And Boromir's love is 'mature' which is what Pip needed. Someone to accept her as what he was to become. For some reason, I felt that most folks of the Shire, because of Pip's proclivity for foolish actions and foot-in-the-mouth discourse, would wonder whether he would ever be 'fit' material for Thain of the Shire, Master of the Shire-moot, Captain of the Shire-muster and the Hobbitry-in-arms. Good grief - I missed a chapter - should have written about the copious titles these two shared! LOL Again - many thanks! Author Reply: Hmmm - mistake up there - Pippin needed someone to accept HIM - what were my fingers thinking as they typed this! Freudian slip?
Garnet Took · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
What wonderfully high praise Boromir give the hobbits. Pippin really is good for Boromir. He gives the man a whole new perspective on life and the world. They are both learning so much about the wider world, each other and themselves. I hae a feeling that when this story ends, I'm going to be as broken up about Boromir's fate as Pippin is. Keep up the good work.
Author's reply
I truly think that Boromir respected the Hobbits - the 'little one' that PJ has him use in the movies was not in the book, though it was endearing. I think Boromir quickly assessed the Halflings and decided they were worthy of the Quest. And yes, they are both good for each other. The similarities help! Let's not discuss the ending quite yet - I do NOT want to write that chapter! Thank you for reviewing!
shirebound · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
. And now I see that others have fought the evil; others besides Gondor. It is a strange lesson to learn. What an amazing thing for Boromir to realize. He is so very "human" in your story, exactly as I like to imagine him.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound. I think that Denethor probably 'drilled' the responsibility that weighed upon the Lords of Gondor. Boromir was not dense; he would have noted at the Council and while they were in Lorien, that others fought and died for the cause. I'm most grateful you think I'm doing well with Boromir - I do happen to love the man dearly!
Raksha The Demon · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 3: Hollin
Fascinating look at Boromir's own recollection of his usurpation of Faramir's dream-summoned errand, for various reason. I really liked Boromir's insistence on not discussing his opinion of his father, and his nutshell summation of the Steward as a father; which was as far as he would, or could, go with even a valued comrade.
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha. I wonder if it was usurption. Faramir had the dream many times before it was given to Boromir. Was it given to Boromir because Faramir did nothing? I know that sounds harsh, but why would Boromir receive the dream after so many times for Faramir? Faramir, bless his heart, would have waited, studied, researched, and done a million things before he would go to Denethor with it. As soon as Boromir had it, he took Faramir and went to Denethor. He acted on it. I know some people think that Boromir even lied about having the dream at all, but that is not how I read the passage nor have I seen a hint that he would have lied. 'For on the eve of the sudden assault a dream came to my brother in a troubled sleep; and afterwards a like dream came oft to him again, and once to me.' FOTR, Chapter 2, Council of Elrond. Again - many thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 4: On The Dimrill Stair and Beyond
Interesting chapter. I loved the account of tweenaged Pippin's engineering effort with the dam, and the chaos that followed. But this once, in the account of Boromir's 'adventure', my sympathy rests with Denethor. At thirteen, given the responsibility that his high rank entailed, Boromir should have known better than to run off, telling no one, and take his little brother with him. Of course, considering that much of Aragorn's life was taken up with journeys far from his own responsibilities, his viewpoint doesn't surprise me. (I've always liked Aragorn, but I do feel sorry for his people, who might have preferred their Chieftain home rather than spending decades in Rohan and Gondor)
Author's reply
Boromir (and Pippin) both realized they had done wrong. Boromir, however, had been beating himself up about it for the rest of his life. As I think he did with any apparent failing of his. The only thing Tolkien said he had in common with Denethor was his pride. So he woulc chastice himself and not forgive himself, I think, for what he had done. Though I truly believe he was quick to forgive others! Perhaps Aragorn saw that need and decided it was time for Boromir to forgive himself. Also - Aragorn has never had children, he lives in the wild and adventure (if one would call it that) is his middle name. I think he could relate with a child going off - AND you are right about his relationship to his people. Must have been odd - to say the least. In my mind's eye - the main failing of both these adventures - another commonality - was the fact that they drew others into danger with them!