Raksha The Demon
· 12 October 2009
· Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
Uh-oh; the Ring is already getting to Boromir with visions of glory.
I loved the interaction of Sam and Bill; Sam has such a loving heart. Thankfully, we all know that Bill will be alright and have a good life after his adventures.
Author's reply
How much is the Ring's prompting, and how much just Boromir's nature? Finding such images in the Man's heart already would only make Its job that much the easier.
And I wanted to let Bill's already noble spirit shine, and particularly after following Lindelea's Tenth Walker series--Bill proved one capable and loyal animal!
Thanks so!
shirebound
· 12 October 2009
· Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
Sam and Frodo's visits with Bill really touched my heart.
Author's reply
I am so glad, Shirebound. I love them all!
Aranel of the Golden Flower
· 12 October 2009
· Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
This was lovely, thanks!
Lily :D
Author's reply
Am so glad you like it, Lily. And so hope it added to the joy of the day!
Kitty
· 19 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
It's still fun to watch how poor Boromir has to put together the pieces of knowledge about Hobbits the way he gets them. Some things have to be quite incomprehensible to him, particularly while having to listen to Pippin's long monologue ;)
That Pippin as the youngest is worrying most who might endanger the Shire and how they would be able to protect their land is interesting. There's the future Thain coming through! Bilbo's account how any dangerous folks would be taken care of sounded reassuring – save that we all know the Rangers will be called away ...
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Kitty! Poor Boromir, trying to make sense of a prolonged Took ramble!
Yes, Pippin is already the Thain in the making! As for what will happen once the Rangers head south to join Aragorn in Rohan--that was perhaps inevitable.
Thanks again so, Kitty.
Raksha The Demon
· 9 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
A charming chapter - I love Pippin's being so knowledgeable about fruits that he can advise Boromir which one is the best to take; showing that Pippin lives much closer to the land than the Captain-General of Gondor, which is only natural, given their cultures. The Pippin/Boromir conversation, though mostly one-sided, is wonderful; and what a shame it was that Boromir never was able to visit Pippin's home and sample Eglantine's cooking.
Author's reply
Well, who better to appreciate what food is best, particularly fruits and vegetables, than a Hobbit, right? And I, too, so regret that Boromir never got the chance to get that meal--one reason I love "The Bee Charmer," I think, seeing him have the chance to do things like know Shire life anyway!
Thanks so, Raksha!
Andrea
· 9 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
Stars above, lad--you would talk the ears off of the corn!
LOL!!! Bilbo always finds the right words!
Among all the information Boromir aquires in this conversation (which is sometimes more like a monologue thanks to a certain young hobbit) he could also learn a lot about Pippin himself.
The journey to Rivendell has already changed him. He has matured a lot.
He is the first one to ask Boromir if he could teach them swordcraft, not Bilbo and not Merry. That tells a lot!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin is already foreseeing need and reacting appropriately, at least at times. He will be an excellent Thain when his time comes, after all! And who better to know the right words than Bilbo?
Am so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again so much, Andrea!
Antane
· 8 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
So Boromir's education continues...
Love Bilbo's comment about Pippin talking the ears off corn. :)
And where indeed has Frodo gone? This would be a burdensome time for him. *hugs him*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes--Boromir has a good deal to learn about all of his companions! Frodo is demanding some plain old privacy, not that I blame him. When he's feeling he has some of what's facing him sorted out, or accepts he can't do everything himself, he'll come out of hiding. Although, having found a fair hiding place he's likely to use it again if he feels he needs it.
Thanks so, Antane.
cathleen
· 8 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
Just discovered this, Bonnie! I'm going to go back and read the whole thing, it's wonderful!
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you did. I hope you find it enjoyable enough to keep following it!
Thank you so much!
Agape4Gondor
· 7 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
WOW - and again I say, WOW....
What a great chaper. I just giggled most of the way through it. I was just watching Much Ado About Nothing and laughing at how Shakespeare snuck in that wonderful comedic moment with the inept guards...... And yet - here you are doing the same.
I can just imagine poor Boromir's 'deer in the headlights' look as Pip spoke of the Sackville-Baggins, and Ted Sandyman and all of them talking about Weathertop and Bree and such.... Good grief! And the true concern of the Hobbits for their Shire...
Delightful chapter.... And I do so love Boromir's asking Elrond for permission to use his facilities.
Again - wow!
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciated it, Agape. For someone who's been as single-mindedly raised as Boromir, to think of Gondor and its defense above and beyond all else, this must truly be overwhelming--these folk seem to expect him to appreciate just what it means to live in a smial and the importance of knowing to what degree you might be related to anyone else, and picking out apples for him?
Am so glad you like the idea of Boromir approaching Elrond--but then I'd think that Boromir has been raised to be respectful of training grounds and the like!
Thank you so!
shirebound
· 7 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
"You would talk the ears off of the corn!"
I just love that line, and this whole conversation. I'm thoroughly enjoying these glimpses of hobbit thoughts and hearts. What a wonderful education for Boromir. :)
Author's reply
Bilbo has his youngest kinsman present pegged, doesn't he? Am glad you like that line! And Boromir is indeed getting his education!
Thanks so for the feedback, Shirebound.
Dreamflower
· 7 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
Marvelous chapter!
One of the things I like about the way you are doing this is that by giving poor Boromir "information overload" at times, he is able to gradually pick out the relevant bits. Yes, it seems as if Pippin is telling him "too much", but in all that prattle are the things he is going to have to understand about his new companions as they journey.
I loved the bit where Pippin instructs Boromir on the best food to take from the sideboard! That just made me grin.
And I look forward to seeing these lessons. I've done my own take on that-- I am eager to see yours!
Author's reply
I know that when I myself am tired or upset--and particularly when both--I tend to prattle a bit too much, and I can SO see Pippin doing similarly, of course. Boromir has a good deal to learn about the Hobbits, who have quite different histories and priorities than he has experienced or formed; he needs to learn rather quickly, I'd think, and who better to teach him than Pippin?
And I can easily imagine a Hobbit, with one of his main priorities being food, automatically noting which apples are best and not too overripe, and where the latest batch of bread was placed in the tray, and so on.
And now indeed it's my turn to examine possible lessons!
Thanks so very much!
Kitty
· 4 August 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
I warn you, Elrond--Hobbits are themselves tenacious, as you know. Peregrin Took, however, has raised that talent to new heights! *lol* Quite true! And together, these four have to be the most stubborn and tenacious lot the Shire has to offer!
Anyway, we all know who will go in the end, but it is interesting to see how the discussions might have gone that were held during these days while the Fellowship was formed.
Enjoyed the underlying challenge between Legolas and Gimli and their arguments with their escort/father. I can so see that happen!
It's understandable that Elrond has his doubts about allowing Pippin to go; but in hindsight, his impetuousness was sometimes useful.
Though I have to agree with Frodo – Pal will never act on any warning Pippin or even Merry could bring. We know how he kept denying the facts, after all, when they returned.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain Paladin Took would have taken any warning sent from Rivendell with a great deal of suspicion. And it's been fun trying to think how Gimli and Legolas might have found themselves competing from the beginning. I'm certain they would have been very concerned, however, that proper word get back to the lords of their own lands so as to be ready when Mordor sends again.
And I'm SO glad that these did prove to be as tenacious as they did! Heh!
Agape4Gondor
· 1 August 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
'Think of this as a very early attempt by the Ring Itself to test the Man's defenses. There will be more of these moments as the quest begins in earnest, so be forewarned!'
MANY thanks for the forewarning - otherwise, I'd have had trouble.
I love the idea that it's the Ring - great concept. I will pay attention and not jump down your throat, tear out your eyes, or otherwise maim you for future attempts to vilify my hero! *g*
xxxoooo
Author's reply
Indeed so, Agape! The Ring would begin to realize fairly early, I'd think, that there was an uncertain, if not a truly weak, link within the Fellowship, and would always be probing to try to find who might be suborned into doing Its will.
grumpy
· 30 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
Love the discussion on who should go and who should stay, wait till the KIng of Mirkwood finds out where his son has gone off too. Gimli did very well for himself, outspeak his father.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciate it, Grumpy. It must have been a difficult decision for Elrond to make.
Thanks so!
Agape4Gondor
· 27 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
Excellent chapter once again. I loved how you pulled each of the 'races' into it and gave convincing arguments for each to be a part of (or not) this Quest.
Couple little things....
'he returned with a bow he knew his father would have approved of...' Honestly, I think this is such a telling line (whether you devised it so or not)... Boromir, IMHO, was always under the careful scrutiny of his father. A hard life indeed, yet he overcame it and fought well for the Fellowship, until the end. I believe the Ring used their relationship to smite Boromir down.
'The Gondorian, however, felt a twinge of annoyance that the Elven lord would show this mark of respect to a mere Perian when he had merely inclined his head to the Steward’s son.' On this one - I just don't quite agree. When Boromir introduces himself at the Council, he pointedly leaves out any kind of an introduciton but his name. I know he was deemed 'proud,' but I think this was the justifiable pride of a warrior - He was Gondor's best - and not the pride of a man.
Boromir felt uncomfortable as he looked down at the food that lay before him, feeling for the first time in some months that he ought to rise for the Standing Silence, considering the solemnity of those gathered to share the meal. I really, really liked this sentence. Cannot even tell you why, but it struck a nerve deep inside me...
Again - great chapter.
Author's reply
I'm so glad the two lines struck you positively, and am sorry the other came off less well. I can certainly appreciate why it feels uncomfortable to you. Boromir's reputation as the leading warrior of Gondor would be indeed a primary part of his self-image, and rightly so, I agree. And I did seek to indicate that he immediately recognized that the annoyance with the lack of recognition was unworthy so he suppressed it. Think of this as a very early attempt by the Ring Itself to test the Man's defenses. There will be more of these moments as the quest begins in earnest, so be forewarned!
As for the numbering snafu--well, blame the fact I posted first on HASA this time! This is the one site where we can indicate prefaces and epilogues and Author's Notes separately in the numbering system, so on the other sites where I post it is chapter 13 rather than chapter 12 as it is here. So, when I got here, having posted in reverse order, if you will, I continued on with chapter thirteen! Ah, such is life for those of us who post at multiple sites!
Thank you so very much for the correction and the comments!
Antane
· 27 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
“You should try standing against a Took, a Brandybuck, and a Gamgee together some time!” Frodo muttered, and the Wizard gave a soft laugh. ...
“You are loved by your own, Frodo Baggins!”
Love it! And what is our dear shrugging for?! Dear me. But I love that no matter how stubborn a Baggins is, there are those who are even more so and he's got to face that there are those who love him more than their own lives, difficult though that may be for him to accept, thinking himself responsible for their safety. But they think they are responsible for his - this is why A Conspiracy Unmasked in my favorite chapter, as whole chapters ago, in whole tale, all of Merry's wonderful words of love for his cousin. I was just thinking recently that we haven't seen a chapter of this recently and here it is. Very cool. Like Elrond's words to Frodo as both Bagginses enter the room too. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Am so glad you find it fitting, Antane. And of course he's loved by his own! It's why WE love him, too!
Thanks so!
Silmarien
· 27 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
Excellent as always. If I might venture a comment, I doubt Frodo would refer to hobbit archers as "bowmen".
Author's reply
Thank you, Silmarien.
I'm not so certain that Frodo would speak of "bowhobbits." I agree Tolkien did speak of "gentlehobbits," but in a few cases he used both the word and the suffix "-men" generically simply to indicate males of any species, including within the Shire. Certainly in the Silmarillion and The Children of Hurin the Elves often speak of making certain their "men" are safe rather than making certain their "ellyn" are safe. I could, I suppose, have chosen to go with the more generic "archers", but decided just to use "bowmen" instead. I hope it doesn't disturb you too much!
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
I like this take on choosing the rest of the Fellowship.
My own take is slightly AU, as I have Elrond making his mind up a few weeks sooner than he did in canon. But your version is much more plausible.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, Dreamflower. I am indeed trying to stay both plausible and within canon here, and to include the arguments we are told Gandalf used in urging Elrond to include Merry and Pippin as well as those Elrond used as to why he felt it might be more important to send Merry and Pippin back to the Shire with warnings.
shirebound
· 27 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
This is nicely done. All who accompany the Ringbearer volunteer on their own, and I like the reasoning everyone puts forth in this chapter.
Author's reply
I am certain that Elrond would prefer to include volunteers in the Fellowship, actually, so it was important for me to think how such as went came to volunteer. Nor can I imagine that Gimli had not fought successfully against orcs before the Fellowship as I have seen in at least one story. So, how was it he should have come to fight? And would not Dol Guldur have sent at least some forces against Erebor as it was beginning to reestablish itself?
And I wanted to include the arguments on both sides as to whether or not to include Merry and Pippin, as well as to give Elrond the information he needs to realize that even if he did manage to persuade the two younger Hobbits to return to the Shire with warnings to their people it was likely not to be much heeded.
Thanks so, Shirebound!
Linda Hoyland
· 29 May 2009
· Chapter 11: A Conversation in the Dark
How well Gandalf perceives everyone! Denethor,like Boromir will prove to be,is sadly his own worst enemy.
Author's reply
Well, Gandalf by now has had the chance to get to know many mortals, and has undoubtedly taken the measure of Boromir and his father both. I am certain he loves them both, but does not see then through rose-tinted lenses.
Thanks so!
Andrea
· 27 May 2009
· Chapter 11: A Conversation in the Dark
What an insightful conversation!
Boromir learned a lot about Bilbo, Aragorn and his father Denethor. Or more precisely, he learned what Denethor did not tell him!
He also heard of Gandalf's first meeting with the Old Took, which was very funny and absolutely believable. Gerontius must have been a fascinating hobbit!
But we should not forget that Boromir's first question was about Frodo! From my point of view Gandalf did not tell him as much as he would have liked to know about the Ringbearer.
But what he told him was very good advice:
He is extraordinarily responsible and mild in nature, but nowhere as passive as he might appear.
So, never ever underestimate Frodo Baggins, Boromir! But I fear, he won't listen to me!
Author's reply
Frodo's tendency to be private in his affairs definitely will not work to Boromir's advantage, I fear.
The first encounter between Gandalf and Gerontius was directly inspired by Anglachel's writing, but then I often work other people's threads into my own stories, as I think you know. And perhaps it is time that Boromir should begin thinking on the tales told in Gondor and Rohan of the famous Captain Thorongil! Here I cannot go with Anglachel's bent--she would have Denethor seeking out Aragorn's healing abilities to see his wife made whole again; I suspect Denethor in the depths of his heart might wish that, but on a more conscious level wish never to see Thorongil again within his lands.
As for listening to others about not underestimating Frodo--Boromir may listen on one level while ignoring all the advice he hears on another. And the Ring sees only his desire to save his land and will work on that, I think!
Inzilbeth
· 26 May 2009
· Chapter 11: A Conversation in the Dark
A fascinating and very well put together chapter, Larner. It seems very right that Gandalf should enlighten Boromir in this way and of course I particularly enjoyed his appraisal of the Aragorn and the role of the Northern Dunedain.
Author's reply
Boromir needs to be aware that Gondor is not responsible for all the defense against the Enemy, and that Sauron endangers many lands of which he's been little aware. And it's perhaps time he begins to realize that his father has more knowledge than he might have shared with his sons regarding their long-sundered kin in the north!
Thanks so, Inzilbeth!
Soledad
· 25 May 2009
· Chapter 11: A Conversation in the Dark
A fascinating history lesson, given to Boromir by Gandalf. Not always pleasant, though...
But the story how Gandalf first met the Old Took is absolutely hilarious!
Author's reply
Am glad you approve--and it's wonderful to hear from you again! Welcome back! No, not all the history is always pleasant, particularly the thought that Denethor refused to treat with the northern Dunedain and that it's not just Gondor that has been threatened by the Enemy.
As for Gandalf first meeting Gerontius--well, one day you might read a tale or two by Anglachel--I admit being influenced by her! Heh! And with the Old Took, I suspect he wasn't overwhelmed by much of anyone.
Thanks so, Soledad! Happy Memorial Day (here, at least).
Kitty
· 25 May 2009
· Chapter 11: A Conversation in the Dark
Ah, yes, I can understand how Boromir feels – so many people around after months alone on the road can be quite overwhelming at times.
Bilbo is related to approximately half the Shire? Sounds about right *grin*
Nice summary of Mithrandir’s acquaintance with the Hobbits in general and Gerontius, Bilbo and Frodo in particular.
So Aragorn sought an alliance with Gondor before and Denethor was too proud and arrogant to even consider it? Yes, that’s Denethor ... sadly. How ironically that these few northern Rangers saved Minas Tirith in the end and then provided the distraction Frodo and Sam needed to fulfil the quest!
Love the way Boromir gets more and more pieces of the puzzle that is Frodo, so to speak.
Author's reply
Considering how prolific the Old Took was, wouldn't you expect his grandson to be related by at least marriage to about anyone who was anyone within the Shire? Heh! Eventually I will get "Stirring Rings" to the point where I look at Gandalf's relationships with Gerontius, Bilbo, and Frodo, which will in some ways be a relief!
I know other writers have thought once Aragorn left Gondor there would have been little if any correspondence between the two lands; but I'm not as certain. I know that he had to have had some relationship with Denethor and Finduilas, and that once he was aware of Finduilas's death he must have wished to convey his own sorrow. That, too, eventually will come out in "Stirring Rings," I suspect. And there's no question the coming of the Grey Company to the Battle of the Pelennor helped to turn the final tide of the battle, although there were a good number of Gondorians on the ships as well.
As for Boromir--he is learning more and more, and trying to readjust himself to being on company again!
Thanks so, Kitty!
Agape4Gondor
· 25 May 2009
· Chapter 11: A Conversation in the Dark
Absolutely riveting chapter!
I am glad to see that you give Boromir some intelligence. I personally have a difficult time with tales that say he knew no Elvish - just doesn't wash with me.
The details of what Mithrandir shared were excellently presented - this is a LOT of information - and very well written. Not the least bit boring. I loved your 'take' on so many parts. And I loved the letter from the Chieftain - not the least bit unrealistic. And that Denethor did not share this with Boromir...
As always, when I read a good Boromir tale, I think how much he grew in his time with the Fellowship and it makes me further saddened that Tolkien chose to 'kill him off' - he would have been a good Steward to Aragorn (and I do, in my heart of hearts, believe Boromir would have finally accepted Aragorn.)
Bless you for sharing this with us!
Author's reply
The two languages spoken within Gondor were Westron and Sindarin, after all, and Quenya was the High Tongue in which the most important of vows were spoken and the most important people named. I cannot imagine the children of the Stewards going untutored in that language. They may not have applied themselves particularly to the study of Quenya, but it would be expected they'd have some knowledge of it at the very least. I suspect that Denethor and Faramir would be fairly conversant in it, much as a modern classicist might know a fair amount of Hellenistic Greek and Latin, and that Boromir at least would have a grasp on the structure of the language and a basic vocabularly, and probably had been made to either memorize or translate some of the basic stories, such as the Lay of Leithien.
The little Tolkien writes indicates that at first Denethor and Thorongil were inclined to be friends and had many interests in common; but that in time Denethor pulled away from the relationship, growing more envious and suspicious of the captain's motives and intents. That Aragorn would wish to convey his compassion and his own grief at Finduilas's death just makes sense to me, and that he might have thought to try to make some level of peace with Denethor using the excuse of reinstating the alliance once known between North and South. Am glad that works for you, along with the lack of acknowledgment to anyone else the missive had been sent.
Alas that Boromir did die--not that you haven't "killed him off" even earlier than did the Master! Heh!
Thanks so, Agape!