In Empty Lands by Larner
Queen Galadriel · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 1: The Arrival
I've never read an account of Boromir's adventures on the road before--I like it! Poor man, he had quite the time of it.
Author's reply
I did a drabble of his arrival that fell rather flat as there is so little room for detail--came out anticlimatic. Thank you so, my Lady!
Queen Galadriel · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Yes, I'm finally getting to this one! Wow, I never thought of that; but it makes sense. The echoing horn call reminds me of part of the extended radio drama, only that bit had to do with the last one, not the first.
Author's reply
Oh--yes--the summons for aid that came too late! But as Boromir indicated he sounded the horn whenever he set out, he MUST have done so as he left Minas Tirith. And a signal that in many ways THIS is the true beginning of the quest itself as all are moving now toward the Council of Rivendell!
Ainu Laire · 18 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
Hmm, short chapter. I am hoping to see this continued soon, with more introspections from Boromir; I don't often find a Boromir in fan fiction that I like, but your interpretation I very much enjoy!
Author's reply
Thank you, Ainu Laire. Hope to get more written next week--perhaps this weekend, now things are improving for my client and Christmas is over. I feel poor Boromir had little chance against the Ring--he's never dealt with such a thing and has nowhere the experience with evil the others have. I suspect even the Hobbits are better warded against it than he was.
Kara's Aunty · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
Hello Larner, Oh my goodness, what beautiful imagery! Such a vivid description of Imaldris fair, I feel like I am there. I really love this story. If this is chapter 7 and the chapter before it is chapter 5, is chapter 6 hidden (I did that by accident a few weeks ago and had to re-publish the entire story - very embarrassing) or just a mix-up with the numbers? Loving Boromir's perspective. It gives a whole new slant to the tale! M ;)
Author's reply
So glad you feel you are there with him in his explorations. Thanks so! Sorry about the error--accidently misnumbered the chapter is all--it's now fixed! Thanks so for the feedback, allowing me to make the correction. As for leaving chapters hidden--have been there and done that a few times myself! Heh! And especially on the TolkienFanFiction site! And I'm finding it interesting writing from Boromir's perspective for a change.
Antane · 9 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
I was wondering when we'd see another chapter and now we have the moment I've been waiting for - and I really look forward to the next one - Boromir sees Frodo for the first time and if that was an eyeopener, just wait until the Council! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, indeed! Of course, Frodo Baggins is a surprise to everyone there, I think. To see Bilbo must have made folks smile; but Frodo is NOT quite a repeat of his older cousin--oh, now.
Andrea · 8 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
"Around the corner there may wait a new road or a secret gate!" And "around the corners" of the Last Homely House Boromir finds many interesting things - and people. Thank you for giving us a tour :) I very much enjoyed Boromir's first impression of Frodo and how he witnessed the meeting between the four hobbits - and felt like an intruder. That's the scene from the movie, isn't it? And now: Let the council begin!
Author's reply
Sam commented to Frodo of the many things to be seen around the corners here, and Frodo had then asked him to lead him around those corners; and in meeting his cousins upon a porch Pippin had declared Frodo the "lord of the Ring" to Gandalf's admonition that there was but one such being in Middle Earth. So, both movie and bookverse, as it were! And I think Boromir would feel a bit like an intruder of voyeur at the moment. Glad you enjoyed the glimpses granted!
Kitty · 8 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
This description of Imladris reminded me again how very much I would like to see it with my own eyes, to wander through all rooms ... *sigh* It's such a beautiful place. Loved Boromir's first glance of Frodo. So he's beginning to put together the pieces. Well, I look forward to know what he thinks during and/or after the Council!
Author's reply
I, too, would love to visit there! And am glad you like Boromir's first views of Frodo. He's beginning to realize Frodo was the one hurt, but I doubt he appreciates just how badly hurt he was. As for what he thinks of the council--that, of course, is coming! Heh!
Agape4Gondor · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
Well - Boromir, though having come from a long journey and part of it on foot, and having only about two hours' sleep - nonetheless is able to discern that there are things here that are hidden. It will be interesting to see his perspective on all this... in addition to what dear Tolkien wrote. This chapter was beautifully written.
Author's reply
He's in for a bit of a long and frustrating day, I fear. And thanks so for the comments--I love that you feel it's beautifully written--that makes my day!
harrowcat · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
Well I hope that he has got a well padded seat! Love the way that Sam disappears from attention. Lots of practice listening in on Frodo and Bilbo as well as native hobbit talent.
Author's reply
WE know it's a long and detailed council, and he learns the hard way. I love that Tolkien indicated Hobbits could naturally evade attention when they wished, and suspect Sam was well skilled at the art! Yes, lots of practice indeed.
Dreamflower · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
What a wonderful description of Rivendell! And much like I'd always imagined it. And the last paragraph was brilliant, as Sam uses the natural ability of hobbits to remain unseen (as opposed to the *unnatural* results of the ring) and indeed, to erase themselves from thought...
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! Partially I was inspired by the movies, of course; but it has a good deal of my own imagination to it, too. And it was satisfying to find a place where I could indicate this Hobbity trait was beginning to be appreciated. Thanks so, Dreamflower.
Celeritas · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
he found himself wondering just how long this council should last. About 32 pages by my edition's reckoning! *wry grin* Somehow Boromir strikes me as the type that won't be able to sit through it well... meetings are meetings, and all that delicious backstory is really better suited to his brother! Still, I hope enough will penetrate through his skull that he'll have somewhat more of a clue of what's going on than in this chapter--he's definitely beginning to put together the pieces, but not enough to make a concrete whole!
Author's reply
I, too, have thought Boromir must have found his attention wandering at times--and then finding himself gobsmacked a time or two when some revelation such as Isildur's Heir and the true nature of Isildur's Bane were revealed. I bet he found himself rather reeling at times, and at others shaking his head at the tedium of it all! But he's beginning to realize there is more here than is meeting the eye.
shirebound · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 6: Around the Corners
Thank you for that lovely tour of Rivendell!
Author's reply
You are most welcome, Shirebound; and thanks so for accompanying us on the tour. Heh!
harrowcat · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
So Boromir begins to meet the inhabitants of Rivendell and starts to observe the hobbits! This scene makes me wonder how it would have been if Faramir had been in Boromir's place. More recognition of Glorfindel certainly. I know some writers have tackled this but i haven't read any of their work.
Author's reply
Yes, Boromir is meeting those who are there now, and sees those with whom he will travel. I don't know if I'd want to tackle Faramir in Rivendell, myself--seems it could get complicated--and last thing I need is another complicated story! Heh!
Grumpy · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
A new shirt, boots on the way. Keep this up and Boramir may never want to leave, Hey I would not! Love how everyone stayed back when the hobbits came to fill there plates.
Author's reply
No wonder they called it the Last Homely House--it served as a home for about everyone who stopped there, it appears. Yes--they're letting the Hobbits go first--which may or may not prove a good idea when Pippin's involved, I'd think! Hope they have plenty of provender! Heh!
Kara's Aunty · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
Hello Larner, I didn't think you'd have this chapter up so quickly but oh! happy me :) And happier still to have Elladan in it. As well as Glorfindel! The joy. I laughed when Boromir addressed him as 'Master Glorfindel' - I'll bet he's not been called that in several thousand years (if at all), but it nicely pointed out Boromir's limited experience with Elves! Again, fantastic detailing - this time on the clothing (especially the shirt Arwen sewed for her (at-that-time) unknown guest). His first glimpses of hobbits and dwarves understandable and enjoyable to read. Great chapter. Can't wait for the next! And compliments on the betawork again. M :)
Author's reply
This is one of the stories that's coming quicker for some reason, so it's being updated more quickly. I love working in resident Elves from time to time. And I suspect you're right about Glorfindel not being addressed as "Master Glorfindel" all that often, but I doubt many Elves have been in Minas Tirith since the refusal of Gondor to accept Arvedui as King over a thousand years earlier, and not that many even the havens near Dol Amroth since the loss of Amroth and Nimrodel. In my world Arwen is not always certain for whom a garment might be intended, but when inspiration hits her she will sew! Heh! And he's now seen Gimli and Gloin and the first interaction between Gimli and Legolas. That first part of the quest--which will comprise most of his own experience--is going to seem LLOOONNNNGGGGG! As for the betawork--I hadn't sent this chapter to RiverOtter as yet, although it will be to her soon enough! Since this is turning into a story under construction she's asked me to wait until the whole thing is done before sending it, as she prefers to do an entire story at a time rather than chapter by chapter. But I'm honored! Heh!
Baggins Babe · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
I love Glorfindel's wisdom and his anger that such a thing could have happened to Frodo. He knows hobbits well, presumably from when they first came into Eriador, and those hobbits who fought for King Arvedui. How perceptive of Arwen to make a shirt for Boromir - useful thing, foresight. Boromir is certainly experiencing a steep learning curve (or bendy educational thing, as Ridcully says!).
Author's reply
Oh, I agree. That the Witch-king has again come into Eriador undoubtedly infuriates him, particularly as this time it has left someone he undoubtedly sees as basically helpless with such a wound, especially after the wound that was seen in Celebrian. And I'm certain he's remembering a number of Hobbits he's met over the years. Yes, the family foresight strikes again--how often my version of Arwen finds after the fact for whom a particular garment is intended! Heh! As for the quote from Ridcully--Oh, yes, so perfect! Thanks for the Discworld chuckle! Yes, Boromir is definitely knowing a bendy educational thing! Heh!
Linda Hoyland · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
Seeing everyone through Boromir's eyes made me feel as if I were there myself at rivendell! I smiled at the Hobbits and the food!
Author's reply
That's wonderful to hear--that you felt as if you were indeed seeing it. And these are Hobbits, after all; and Pippin is still a hungry tween! Thanks so much!
Szepilona10 · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
Is that Halbarad stuffing his face? I can see him doing that! Halladan, no, he's to serious! Hardorn mabey(sp?). But that is so Halbarad!
Author's reply
I'm not certain precisely which of the Rangers it is that's almost asleep and which is eating--perhaps we shall learn shortly! Heh! Glad you're enjoying it!
Andrea · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
So, he at first mistook the hobbits for children? That's understandable. But Boromir should heed Glorfindel's advice: But do not mistake their child-like nature for foolishness--they are far more sagacious than they appear. Wise words, indeed! (BTW, you taught me a new word, "sagacious", I've never heard it before.) You write book-verse, do you? Because, if I remember right, you referred to Merry as the hobbit with the darker hair (darker than Pippin's, that is). I'm looking forward to reading more, for example the first meeting of Boromir and Frodo!
Author's reply
Tolkien in his letters apparently stated that Pippin's hair was the lightest of the four of them; so I've always described his hair as auburn (imagining it as a light auburn) and Merry's as a warm brown, while I have Sam's a golden brown. Am glad I'm helping you learn more English vocabulary. Ours is such a complicated language! But I thought that as an Elf Glorfindel would at times bring out the high-dollar words! And that first meeting will not be too long in coming, I think.
Kitty · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
Nice idea of Arwen having made a new shirt for Boromir before even knowing that he would be there! Ah, Boromir knows Glorfindel's name should tell him something, but he can't remember? I am sure Faramir would have known at once *grin* Must have been quite the experience for Boromir to encounter Hobbits for the first time in his life. I see he made the common mistake to think of them as children only because of their size. Well, he'll learn soon that they are a force to be reckoned with, in spite of appearances. Btw, good idea to have Glorfindel instruct Boromir about Hobbits - Glorfindel must have learned a lot about them not only from Bilbo, but from the last bit of road to Imladris with Aragorn and the four Hobbits, pursued by the Nazgul. Just thinking what Gimli would have said if someone had told him then he would soon be good friends with one of that 'dratted elves from Mirkwood' *evil grin*
Author's reply
I suspect you are completely right about Faramir immediately recognizing the name of Glorfindel. I suspect Glorfindel has seen Hobbits off and on over time since they came over the High Pass into Eriador, including those who fought for Arvedui and Gerontius Took as well as Bilbo, so I have a feeling he's far more familiar with their native wisdom than they realize. As for Arwen--she IS Elrond's daughter, after all! Heh! And Gimli has no idea that the Elf he just insulted is going to be his best friend one day! Heh!
Kitty · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Son of his Heart
Love the interaction between Elrond and Aragorn at the beginning of this chapter about their relationship. It's good to see them going along so well (contrary to the movies), as they should be. Ah yes, Aragorn feels very strongly about the destruction of It, even now, before his relationship with Frodo deepened and he began to really hate It! Though of course Elrond is right, too - Aragorn could not take It, he would not be able to withstand it for long.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciate the way I see their relationship. To fear Elrond wished to disown him must have been a horrible thought! And, no, he could not have withstood the Ring himself, I fear. The Ring was created to rule Men, Elves, and Dwarves, after all. Agan, I'm sorry I appear to have missed these reviews. Thanks so for bearing with me!
Kitty · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
Ah, how very like Boromir to seek for *boring* books to fall asleep reading them! *lol* Somehow I've seen the purpose of reading books a tiny little bit different! And I remember the title of the book Aragorn recommended from 'King's Commission'. Yes, that might be better than any sleeping pill - with or without understanding Adunaic ... That was an interesting first meeting between the son of the Steward and the Heir to the throne of Gondor. I really enjoyed it, knowing a bit more than poor Boromir. Boromir's comparing the stranger to his father, the little aside about the stud books of Rohan, their discussion about the fight at Osgiliath ... so many little details woven into this chapter!
Author's reply
I like to think that Boromir's interest in literature was perhaps a good deal more prosaic--and oddly practical--than his brother's! And I do like to weave the stories together, as you already know! Heh! Thank you so for the review!
Kitty · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 2: Be By Him
Boromir's thoughts during his talk to Faramir about why he wanted to go are touching. So he really felt he might not return? Wasn't so sure in the other chapter about that, but this is pretty obvious. Anyway, you gave the brothers a wonderful parting, allowing to tell each other what they did. It might have been even harder for Faramir if they had parted on the first hard words of this talk, without the knowledge how much Boromir esteemed him. Well, it is good to know that Faramir later on got to see Imladris anyway, and under circumstances that allowed him to enjoy it without the pressing need of the anticipated attack on Gondor by the forces of Mordor.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you liked this, Kitty! And they needed to get as much off their chests as they could, as WE know this was indeed their farewell from one another in this life. And you are so right about how nice it was Faramir could appreciate Imladris more at his leisure and without the pressure Boromir knew! Thanks so!
Kitty · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 1: The Arrival
The people of Tharbad were nice and helpful, no doubt. So glad they saved Boromir and helped him. Poor Boromir, what a welcome at Bree, so hoping for a real bed and a hot meal and then being denied entrance! The Breelanders should think over whom they allow in and whom not, considering who got in later on ;-) Glad the Farmer was more reasonable. *lol* To ask in Rivendell after Imladris might be a success, I believe :D Glad he got the directions from the Rangers, otherwise he could have strayed around further for quite a while. And now he's finally found his destiny!
Author's reply
I liked putting the town there on the rebound, and seeing its folk helping this rather careless wanderer. Too bad the Bree-folk weren't as welcoming, although I couldn't leave him out in the wet again. And it was nice to play with the two names for the place, and decided the Rangers ought to have some mercy on the poor guy! Heh! Thanks so for your patience!
Golden · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Folk out of Legend
That is a very nice read. Love that you use Boromirs view. Looking forward to more Chapters and to read how Boromirs view in regards of the Hobbits will change in time, when he gets to know them better. :)
Author's reply
Oh, I suspect we'll see a good deal of Boromir's POV regarding each of those he's just meeting and will meet shortly.