What a lovely, warming surprise this chilly morning!
As you know, Young Boromir is one of my favorite kinds of Boromir, and I love the way you've reflected back on Chance Encounter to embellish upon that tiny hint of Young Boromir's hero worship, his shy longing for his savior and protector Estel, his unsureness on how to act upon it, and how he's kept the memory of that occasion locked away. Until now -
He is aware now, as he was never before, what he would rather have pledged to Estel so many years before. What he might still give to Aragorn. A gift that pride prohibits him from ever proffering.
This, in conjunction with Aragorn's musing on the changes in Boromir, from generous and high-spirited boy, Finduila's son, to the proud and suspicious son of Denethor as he grew older is just heartrending. I like the way you've presented Boromir's nightmare as a way for him and Aragorn to revisit, even for a moment, that interlude they shared so long before, and how it opens them both to the possibility of rekindling love and trust and bringing it to further fruition.
And then he notices that this night Boromir wears neither mail nor leather nor even his burgundy overtunic, but only a simple tunic, breeches and boots. It is the most exposed he has seen Boromir since that time, over twenty years ago, when Aragorn nursed his injuries. It is this exposure, this openness, of dress if not of bearing, that urges Aragorn forward.
This is simply brilliant, Boromir's signaling his fragility, his openness, his need for comfort, even if he didn't realize what he was doing. Bless Aragorn for understanding, and Boromir for accepting the offer of peace and comfort, the opportunity to return and complete what was instigated so long ago.
Thank you so much for writing this! I came late to the LOTR party (as usual) and missed out on the Golden Days of the fandom. I'm always pleased to see my favorite writers returning, even if only for a brief visit.
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Date: 2008-01-20 02:38 pm (UTC)As you know, Young Boromir is one of my favorite kinds of Boromir, and I love the way you've reflected back on Chance Encounter to embellish upon that tiny hint of Young Boromir's hero worship, his shy longing for his savior and protector Estel, his unsureness on how to act upon it, and how he's kept the memory of that occasion locked away. Until now -This, in conjunction with Aragorn's musing on the changes in Boromir, from generous and high-spirited boy, Finduila's son, to the proud and suspicious son of Denethor as he grew older is just heartrending. I like the way you've presented Boromir's nightmare as a way for him and Aragorn to revisit, even for a moment, that interlude they shared so long before, and how it opens them both to the possibility of rekindling love and trust and bringing it to further fruition.This is simply brilliant, Boromir's signaling his fragility, his openness, his need for comfort, even if he didn't realize what he was doing. Bless Aragorn for understanding, and Boromir for accepting the offer of peace and comfort, the opportunity to return and complete what was instigated so long ago.
Thank you so much for writing this! I came late to the LOTR party (as usual) and missed out on the Golden Days of the fandom. I'm always pleased to see my favorite writers returning, even if only for a brief visit.