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Title: The
<http://www.sweetdreamssanctuary.net/sanctuary/viewstory.php?sid=7> World
Within · Author: Minuialeth
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=42
7> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Incomplete · ID: 978
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=978>
Reviewer: sulriel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=7>
· 2005-05-02 21:06:15 Score: 6
This unique tale has a hypnotic rhythm that strongly reflects the author's
brilliant capturing of the simple point of view of her not-so-simple human
protagonist. Minuialeth's deceptively complex style delves deeply to bare
the soul with simple questions and simple observations that create deep and
complex thoughts rather than simple answers..

"Behold as the butcher pats the darkest amongst the herd and whispers
endearments of beauty as the trembling sheep stares into its reflection in
the pool of blood.”

both exquisite and terrifying. ... the dark truth, the agony of unrequited
love, the pain of bowing to those known to be better than yourself. The
denial of our utmost yearnings, the eventual fall - we can only hope.




Title: Campdóm and
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2931> Lufian · Author:
Drake/Eokat
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=44
0> CoAuthors · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 1039
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1039>
Reviewer: sulriel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=7>
· 2005-05-04 09:07:00 Score: 2
I enjoyed both the style and content of this co-written story. It was
cleverly woven by each author from the different points of view to create a
full and flavorful whole. Well done.

Title: Home Indeed
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3379> · Author: Eokat
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=43
7> · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 1045
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1045>
Reviewer: sulriel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=7>
· 2005-05-04 09:13:02 Score: 2
This is my favorite kind of story, that enriches the world around what we
already know. I very much enjoyed seeing the home-life of Father Eomer, and
how he enjoys his wife and family.

Title: Novice <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2677>
Rider · Author: Eokat
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=43
7> · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 1048
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1048>
Reviewer: sulriel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=7>
· 2005-05-04 09:16:31 Score: 2
Wonderful!! It is so very nice to find another horse-focused story, they are
much too under-used in this fandom that is so rich in the Rohirric culture.
Very nice portrayal. Thank you for writing!!

Title: Servant of
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2574> Elbereth ·
Author: Beethoven's
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=28
9> 7th · Races/Places: Villains · ID: 796
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=796>
Reviewer: sulriel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=7>
· 2005-05-04 09:26:40 Score: 2
What a lovely little villain, and yes, it does help to explain some things
that seemed to otherwise be glossed over. Keep up the good work.

Title: May the Valar
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1> Protect Them ·
Author: Nilmandra
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=44
4> · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 1055
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1055>
Reviewer: daw
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
6> the minstrel · 2005-05-04 20:35:33 Score: 10
This is an absolutely wonderful story of an ordinary Elf-woman doing
extraordinary things because she loves and is brave. It has a gripping plot,
realistic characters, and some fabulous moments along the way.I cannot tell
you how moving I found the Solstice ceremony, for instance. It joined the
mourning and hope of individuals and a whole community. Very nicely done.

I also liked the scenes between Thranduil and Lathron. Thranduil comes
through as a caring parent fumbling his way toward a child who is not easy
for him to understand, but who still finds a place in his heart. And I
really liked how the elves deliberately made themselves as menacing as
possible while questioning the leader of the caravan, particularly the
detail of Sadron and Laerion being so close behind that he could feel their
body heat.

And I love the images of baby Legolas playing and laughing. For him, the
world is very small. It's the people around him and that means the world is
a good place.

And right to the end, I feel for Tathiel. After caring for them so long, the
children must feel like her own, particlarly Legolas, given that she nursed
him. But Rawien is so tender with her that I'm sure she'll find joy too.

Thank you for this wonderful story, Nilmandra. It is exciting and moving. It
picks up major themes and still shows the daily events that are important to
those who live through them. Your battle scenes and family scenes are
equally effective.

Title: History <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=6>
Lessons · Author: Nilmandra
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=44
4> · Books/Time: The Silmarillion · ID: 1056
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1056>
Reviewer: daw
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
6> the minstrel · 2005-05-04 20:58:19 Score: 10
One of the most original parts of this story is the double time frame. That
is just a brilliant idea. And it makes sense, given the deathlessness of
elves. Nothing like getting history from the horse's mouth. The Third Age
twins are very engaging but throughout this story, it's the First Age events
that I find most gripping. The story shows the depth of your research and
real care in structuring it for us.

The character who stands out is of course Elrond. His adult understanding of
his parents' choice was poignant. No child could be expected to understand
and forgive an adult who abandoned him, but the adult the child becomes
can.The contrast between Elrond's childhood and the one he gives his sons is
poignant. You give us sweaty Glorfindel, mischievous twins, harrassed
Erestor, and elf sex before you even get to the sons of Feanor.

And Maedhros is scary. I like your explanation for why Madros finally
decided to act and return the twins to their own people - it's possible that
Maedhros would have harmed them now that they were of no more use to him. He
would have regretted it afterwards, but he might have done it anyway.

Elrond continued to move me even as he grew toward adulthood. He is so
earnest and so hard on himself. In him, you can really see the lore master
of Imladris who shelters those who need it, especially the heirs of Isildur,
his brother's descendents. It's like he gives to everyone else the stability
and shelter that he missed as a small child and may never have thought he
deserved later.One of the many things I like about this story is that Elrond
now has Celebrian to comfort him for his sense of loss over Elros. It makes
me very sad that he will lose her too, but at least he will find her again.

One of the touching aspects of this is how different Elrond and Elros are
and yet how loyal they are to one another. Neither one seems to feel he has
to say that the other's way is less worthy.

I would never even attempt to write about something as sweeping and mythic
in stature as this battle. And I actually teared up at the sound of the call
of the Valar and the idea that Elros and Elrond heard both calls. The
glimpse of the Feanorians was strangely moving. What a tragedy that all was.

The choice was so painful and Elrond just did not have a clue about what was
coming. I also really liked seeing Gil-galad, Celeborn, and Elrond decide
that they had things they wanted to do yet in Middle-earth. The whole scene
was epic - mountains crashing, floods drowning the land, and the powers that
be trying to decide how to work out the practicalities of dealing with what
they had wrought.

In general, you brought so much of The Silmarillion alive for me in a way I
don't think I could have done for myself. And you have given Elrond a depth
that is so enriching. It colors my view of him now. What a tragic and yet
deeply good person he is. This is just an amazing achievement.


Title: History <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1007>
Lessons: The Second Age · Author: Nilmandra
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=44
4> · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Second Age · ID: 1057
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1057>
Reviewer: daw
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
6> the minstrel · 2005-05-05 10:59:42 Score: 10
There are a lot of canon things in this story that are worked out in quite
believable ways. I really liked the section about Glorfindel. The tapestries
were a great device for recapping the story and for letting us see that time
has passed while he's been in the Halls of Mandos. His awakening was also
very interesting. IHis joy in just existing in a body is wonderful.

Cirdan is amusing. He has no time for silliness but is so utterly
trustworthy. And despite his gruffness, he loves Gil-Galad, Elrond, and
Elros. I liked the idea that Glorfindel's innocence made him transparent to
the trustworthy.

Annatar is so seductive and creepy. Even his good looks will prejudice
people in his favor. He's so oily and slick and just strange! The scene
where he is working on the rings is wonderful. Celebrimbor makes me want to
slap him even though I know bad things are going to happen to him.

The moment when Galadriel approaches Elrond about using the rings was an
intriguing one. I can see her doing it. And I can see Celeborn being
worried. In general, the stuff about the rings is well done. When we read
LOTR, the rings of power are just given facts and we know about them, but
when you put yourself in the place of the people just learning about them,
you have to wonder how they ever figured them out. No one knew about them,
after all. They were a new threat. And usually with new threats, you only
know how bad they are after it's too late to do you any good. The
description of their making and the meanings of the stones was wonderful.

I thought this was a compelling and terrible picture of war, told through
the young eyes of Erestor. I liked watching Gil-galad confer with his
advisors and decide, with great difficulty, to send Elrond. I am just
riveted by this picture of the Second Age which has never before seemed very
compelling to me.

I loved the finding of the valley of Imladris -- I thought that was
exciting! It was like seeing history at work. We know what Imladris meant
for millennia after this, so to see it being found was just thrilling. Go
Erestor!

I also liked the inclusion of the children -- their presence showed
something about how horrible the war was without you having to belabor the
point. Also I liked the way Glorfindel took them on and cared for them, and
then they turned up as adults in the camp.

I love the way you've brought the seige of Imladris to life and also the
problems of dealing with this mixed population of elves and men. They'd each
have things to find out about the other.

This was truly wonderful, Nilmandra. You've made it all come alive and
anchored it to the quiet, strong figure of Elrond, who struggles along doing
what's right. I

Title: Swan
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter.cfm?STID=4204&NGID=286>
Flight · Author: AmandaK
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=20
9> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gondor · ID: 84
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=84>
Reviewer: Raksha
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
8> the Demon · 2005-05-07 03:03:08 Score: 2
Boys will be boys, even the well-instructed sons of Denethor. Nice
characterisation of the young brothers; showing Boromir's reckless,
impulsive nature and Faramir's more cautious temperament. And Denethor is
also well-written.

Title: Just
<http://homepage.ntlworld.com/matthew.adams1/personal/isabeau_drabbles.htm#c
hop> A Bit Of Chop · Author: Isabeau
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=18
2> of Greenlea · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General Drabble · ID: 30
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=30>
Reviewer: Raksha
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
8> the Demon · 2005-05-07 03:09:07 Score: 1
I loved this piece - short and sweet and very funny. Poor, poor Eomer!

Title: Noble <http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=6>
Jewel · Author: Isabeau
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=18
2> of Greenlea · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 741
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=741>
Reviewer: Raksha
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
8> the Demon · 2005-05-07 03:13:30 Score: 3
I'm usually pre-disposed to indifference towards original characters; and
normally would avoid a story whose characters are all-original, not to
mention a story where a connection to a canon-character is made with an
OC...But NOBLE JEWEL is just so compelling and well-written that it took me
along for a wonderful ride. Sigh. Very enjoyable!

Title: The Heirs of <http://www.freewebs.com/aure/heirsofisildurthe.htm>
Isildur · Author: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 24

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=24>
Reviewer: Raksha
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
8> the Demon · 2005-05-07 03:17:53 Score: 2
Very cute and funny, without making Elrond too commonplace a character. But
even a wise Elf (or half-Elf) can be fuzzy if awakened too quickly or
early...

Title: Realizations
<http://home.earthlink.net/%7Eamebrindrastories/id8.html> · Author:
amebrindra
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=13
8> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gapfiller · ID: 771
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=771>
Reviewer: Legorfilinde
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=54

> · 2005-05-07 16:57:42 Score: 6

The first time I read Realizations I was absolutely blow away. I could not
believe what an indepth insight Amebrindra had into the young and innocent
lives of Elladan and Elrohir. This was such an emotionally heartrending
account of their first real seperation and their dire need for one another.
She had me in tears as I read through their ordeal and then she filled me
with joy as they were reunited. Amebrindra made these characters come to
life with a vibrancy that is uncanny. They became very real for me; as real
as if I knew them personally and felt each sorrow and joy with them. This is
an excellent piece of creative writing and the others stories in this arc
are even more incredible. --Legorfilinde

Title: Ode to <http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1928297/1/> Legolas · Author:
Ainaechoiriel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=2>
· Genres: Humor: Poetry · ID: 5
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=5>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-08 19:23:38 Score: 2

Interesting filk. It might be better if the third line of the second stanza
was a syllable longer, but other than that it was really enjoyable.

Title: Dawn <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=643> ·
Author: Acacea
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
6> · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor · ID: 251
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=251>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 18:44:06 Score: 10

"In his own mind, he was there to acquit himself of sins he himself was not
sure of. But sins there must be, his weary mind had told him. Sins committed
long before unknowingly, sins committed recently, knowingly, and worst of
all the sin of dreaming a dream that brought nothing but sorrow in its
wake."

This has to be one of the best lines I've read in the stories nominated this
year (to date, at least). It is entirely true: when something goes wrong, it
is human nature to look for something that *we* did wrong, because then if
we change that thing we do, bad stuff will stop happening to us. Of course
it just does not work that way, but it is the most natural thing in the
world to think that way.

Personally, I belong to the school of thought that Denethor really loved
Faramir. He did not do such a good job of showing it to him at least in the
course of the books. With everything else that was going on (the death of
Boromir, Denethor's mental decline due to his use of the palantír, et
cetera), not to say anything about the stress of being the two most powerful
men in a country on the horizon of a war, where that country's very survival
is at stakes.

Anyway, it is so sad that Faramir needed Éowyn to make him want to return
from war. Understandable, though. At the end, even if Denethor loved him, I
do not think that Faramir necessarily realized it. They were both screwed up
by that point. You did a fine job of getting all of this across, in so few
words and in an entertaining fashion.

Title: On the <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1836>
Flood · Author: Acacea
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
6> · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 284
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=284>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 20:20:42 Score: 5

This story had a nice feel to it, sort of like Alawa's "A Jewel in the
Crown". Your original character narrator was just so fully developed. He had
a back story that seemed to extend beyond the limits of the screen, somehow.
Sort of how the props department for the LOTR movies put so much much effort
into things that might never be seen on screen, but gave the set a feel of
realism.

Your OC character was delightful. The riddle about the frogs (one my uncle
also told me) was a very nice touch, and I loved the infusion of politics
and strategy. All in all, a very enjoyable read.

Title: Raven and
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=141> Gold ·
Author: Acacea
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
6> · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 52
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=52>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 20:52:33 Score: 4

"He spoke to her of a garden they would build across the river."

There's something magical about this last line. I can't really pinpoint what
it is, exactly, but it just seems such a beautiful and fitting conclusion to
this drabble.

I am not a natural romantic ;-) but I can feel Faramir's love for her. That
may be why I like this line so much: because it's such a practical thing,
and yet effused with emotion all the way through. Well done!

Title: The Riders
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2236> from Erech ·
Author: Acacea
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
6> · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey Company · ID: 325
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=325>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 21:28:43 Score: 4

I really love gapfillers -- the more obscure, the better. It's the reason I
first came to fan fiction, because I want to explore these scenes that
Tolkien never seemed to find the time to write. This isn't a scene that I
particularly ever wanted to write myself, but I loved how you told it.
Angbor -- who was never more than a name to me before I read this -- became
three-dimensional. You told this moment skillfully, and his fear was
palpable. Thank you for an enjoyable read.

Title: Words <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2066>
Unsaid · Author: Acacea
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
6> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gapfiller · ID: 55
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=55>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 23:11:55 Score: 7

It is rare that a piece, especially one this short, moves me to tears -- but
this one did.

You have captured all the poignancy of the relationship between Denethor and
Faramir, and in less than one thousand words. And you have also shed some
light on their family history. Finduilas offering advice to Boromir and
Faramir. Denethor failing to express his love and commitment to Finduilas
like he might like. Denethor regretting sending Faramir out unthanked, and
at the same time he vows not to fail Faramir again.

The greatest thing about this vignette, though, is that it makes sense of
the insensible, at least as much as anything could: Denethor's suicide. And
it makes sense, not by appealing to Denethor's pride, but to his love for
Faramir. (Which I think really did exist, even if it was not as strong or at
least as obvious as his love for Boromir.) You have done a fine job of
getting into what is certainly a very cryptic mind.

Title: Dance of
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3312> Terrible Grace
· Author: Adina
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
8> ATL · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Vignette · ID: 57
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=57>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 23:22:17 Score: 2

I really like your story. Too often Legolas is reduced to a bit of a pansy,
but here we see him in all the fury of his Wood-elf glory. Shades of
Celeborn, even. Well done.

Title: Mariner's
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3199> Son · Author:
Adina
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
8> ATL · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Rivendell · ID: 326
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=326>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-09 23:46:29 Score: 6

Another enjoyable scene. it's nice to see a new perspective on the great
events of the First Age. Hobbits really do shed new light on such things!
But I think my favourite thing about this vignette is the treatment of
Elrond. So often we get men-are-weak!Elrond, all gloom and doom like he is
portrayed in the recent movies. But here you give him humanity (or elfanity,
I suppose -- you know what I mean, you make him more approachable). He is a
character who generations of young heirs of Isildur (to say nothing of his
own children) would find approachable.

Thank you for this illuminating moment. I never thought how Bilbo might feel
about Aragorn's comment, but this is a nice peak into an area of
Middle-earth lore that I had not considered before.

Title: Opening <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2650>
Doors · Author: Adina
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
8> ATL · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural · ID: 359
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Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-10 01:14:58 Score: 10

There are many things about this story that I could comment on (and a story
like this certainly deserves the points), but I think my favourite part is
probably the fact that Narvi is female. Finally another author who takes
Gimli's words seriously that dwarf-women were often mistaken for dwarf-men.
Not that dwarves of either gender get nearly enough treatment in fan
fiction, but when they are, it is too often assumed that all dwarves we meet
are male. For all we know any of Bilbo's companions could have been female
(Now, there is a challenge! Though I think Tolkien probably meant them to be
male.), and certainly 1/3 of the original character dwarves we create should
be female.

But you have taken the superb challenge of writing femslash between a dwarf
and a Noldor. I'm not sure you could create a more challenging pairing than
we're given here. The Noldor, because there's all of 'Laws and Customs of
the Eldar' that you have to take into account when justifying the slash (and
in this case Galadriel is married, which makes everything even more
complicated, in light of Finwe and Miriel). And the dwarf, because they are
widely considered asexual. How many Gimli romances would there be if not for
Gimli/Legolas slash? Not many, I don't think.

And yet, somehow you pull this off in this piece. I'm really not sure how
you manage it, but we likes it. The erotica works. At times it feels a bit
extraneous to the plot, but that depends on how you view the plot. If it is
just about the construction of the Doors of Moria... well, that is the
obvious plot, but it is also a tad simplistic. If, on the other hand, it is
about Narvi's embracing of a culture besides her own, the romance is very
central. It is interesting to read a story that operates on two levels like
this one does. I cannot wait to read the sequel -- which I will do as soon
as I can find the time.

Title: Walls and
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=4166> Gates · Author:
Adina
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
8> ATL · Genres: Romance · ID: 1041
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o&navbar_page=0&markpage=7&form_story_filter=1041>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-05-10 02:27:50 Score: 9

This piece was very nice. In some ways it was better than the prequel --
there were more details than Elven culture (and Dwarvish culture for tht
matter), which I really liked. And I loved the cast of characters,
especially Cadie. She was delightful and I would love to see more of her.

But the emotional impact of Narvi's falling out with Galadriel seemed cut
short. I felt like I needed more to get her (Narvi) from her very realistic
anger at being manipulated (so she thought) by Galadriel, to her willingness
to stay in Ost-in-Edhil. It seems like she just caves, and it seemed
out-of-character for a Dwarf, especially a Dwarf of the character that you
created throughout this pair of stories.

I also wanted more. Maybe there should be another piece in the series (if
there isn't already -- if there is, please let me know where I can find it!)
I would love to see the relationship between Celebrimbor and Celeborn
explored in more depth. And Celebrimbor's relationship to the Moriquendi,
there seemed to be a lot of material you could develop through that. Would
Noldor or Moriquendi be more willing to reside permanently in Narvi's
fortress, and how would that affect the other's impression of them? And
Galadriel and Narvi... they need to rebuild that relationship.

Just a thought. *evil grin*


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