Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: What Should Not
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3014> Be Forgotten ·
Author: Budgielover
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=24
1> · Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 179
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=179>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 21:06:45 Score: 4

The characters of all four hobbits were neatly developed here. They were all
distinct, yet they all were clearly hobbits; and the differences were
exactly as I would imagine them based on what Tolkien wrote. I particularly
liked that it was Pippin who procured the food, given his connection to the
Tower Guard. I can just see him organising food coming in and setting aside
the best stuff for himself.

Title: Home Cooking
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1468> Hobbit-Stlye ·
Author: Budgielover
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=24
1> · Races/Places: Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 175
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=175>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 21:29:40 Score: 2

Absolutely hilarious. This had me laughing, especially when the hobbits got
into the soap crystals. This was a well-written, light-hearted moment, and I
thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Well done, Budgielover.



Title: My
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1099> Hero ·
Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-Ring War Drabble · ID: 640
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=640>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 21:31:12 Score: 2

*snork* Somehow I imagine Sam would show his character in these small
heroics just like he did in the Quest. It's something about his character;
he does what needs to be done. Lucky for Rosie that she has someone like him
around.

Title: The
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3483&cid=13181> Healing
Touch · Author: Werecat
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=83

> · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 1312

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1312>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 22:03:51 Score: 6

This ficlet is simply beautiful. I know the comfort that can come from cats,
personally and through the volunteer work of a close relative giving cats to
terminally ill children. Werecat is exactly 100% right about their healing
abilities. If not physically, then emotionally soothing. It is so nice how
Brannir was able to see past his own close-minded superstition and see the
practical good that a cat could do. I am used to seeing Werecat write cats
as allies of the various dark lords, or just plain selfish, and it was nice
to see this side of a cats' personality brought to light. And I didn't know
Werecat could distill a tale to such a short piece. Obviously, I was wrong.
;-)

Title: The Party Next Door <http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1330750/1/> ·
Author: Acacea
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
6> · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID: 1255
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1255>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 22:19:04 Score: 2

This was a nice read, though it did have a few niggling errors (for
instance, Baggins' instead of Bagginses'). I particularly liked the glimpse
at how hobbits viewed dwarves and hobbits from other parts of the Shire
(i.e., Tooks).

Title: The Dead
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2920> City · Author:
Wild
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=33
7> Iris · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Poetry · ID: 606
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=606>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 23:29:32 Score: 2

I liked this poem, especially the reference to the defences of snow and
steel. It seemed fitting to compare the man-made battlements to more natural
defences.

Title: Sirion <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2551>
· Author: Wild
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=33
7> Iris · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Poetry · ID: 607
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=607>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-28 23:58:51 Score: 2

The form of this piece served the subject matter very nicely -- the short
line length and the free verse form nicely complemented what must have been
fragmented thoughts on the part of those caring for the dead.

Title: Imladris
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3998> Interpreted ·
Author: Aeneid
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=20
1> · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Poetry · ID: 60
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=60>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 00:42:25 Score: 8

"Mindless senseless troll,
arrogant bastard!"
"Useless whimsy runt!"
"Neeeargh!"
"Oof!"

This section to me captured the heart of what was a brilliant poem. It had
almost a Mystery Science Theatre quality to it, only it wasn't inserting
comments in the usual way. Aeneid took the fanons about the first family of
Gondor and had the characters themselves insert those comments subtextually.
Like where Boromir calls himself stronger, taller, and bolder, and then says
parentheticeally, "(so say you, father; sorry, brother)"... well, I nearly
fell out of my chair laughing.

I think my favourite part, though, was the "Goodbye, my brother." at the
very end. In the actual poem there's not the quotes marks, and it's not 100%
clear which brother is saying it. It's the combination of the serious with
the slapstick humour that makes this poem one of my favourite. This is the
poem that introduced me to Aeneid, and I'm ever so glad that I took the time
to read it over a year ago, because it has introduced me to many other good
pieces; but it's also magnificent in its own right. Well done.

Title: Runaway Star <http://www.fanfiction.net/s/803983/1/> · Author:
Aerlinnel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=28
0> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Elves · ID: 1256
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1256>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 01:15:25 Score: 8

I want to excuse Amrod's actions as the natural outcome of an Oath that he
made perhaps out of familial obligation or out of innocence of a sort.
Really I do. There is something to be said for honour, of course, but honour
is different from blind obedience. And the Oath of Feanor is not fully in
line with what's naturally "good" in Middle-earth. We know this because of
the ends it drove the Feanorians to, and Amrod seems to also recognise it.
Therefore I cannot call his actions good or even excusable because he was
"following orders". But somehow that seems to be part of the point. Amrod is
not necessarily searching for understanding.

The author paints a grim picture here, a picture where war isn't white
washed but where we see the blood and guts for what they really are. And we
also see the despair of losing your twin. It's very well portrayed -- much
too well for my own comfort. This isn't a "comfortable" story, but it also
feels "true" somehow. It was nice to give the despair caused by the Oath of
Feanor given form, even if that form isn't aesthetically pleasing.

Title: Price of Delay <http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=1675> ·
Author: viv
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=32
4> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Drabble · ID: 782
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=782>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 01:28:23 Score: 3

The summary on this one was a little vague, so I wasn't quite sure what to
expect. After reading it, I'm still not 100% sure what event is being
described. Yet it still manages to get to the heart of Thingol's character,
and the imagery is very powerful.

Title: Sunshine
<http://www.livejournal.com/users/talechallenge01/8967.html#cutid1> and
Laughter · Author: Anastasia
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=38
5> · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: War of the Ring · ID: 1232
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1232>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 10:55:39 Score: 2

I'm not sure how I like the idea of Gandalf intruding into Pippin's
thoughts. It seems a little too magical and elvish for me. Nevertheless,
Gandalf's thoughts were sweet and his interaction with Pippin was
well-portrayed.


Title: With Hope <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2088>
· Author: AfterEver
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=20
2> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Incomplete · ID: 501
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=501>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 19:04:59 Score: 4

Another fascinating installment of Gilraen's life in Rivendell? Is there any
basis to the belief that Elven horses are also reincarnated? I especially
liked Gilraen's concern over her son; I think she would tend to be a bit
over-protective, given that she had already lost her husband through
premature death and her whole community when she moved to Rivendell. Also, I
think you are exactly right about the ripple effect in Elven grieving.

Title: Stealth
<http://www.livejournal.com/users/talechallenge06/10128.html#cutid1> and
Grace · Author: Anastasia
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=38
5> · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor · ID: 802
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=802>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 21:21:35 Score: 4

This was quite funny. Legolas seemed a bit too well educated on Gondorian
dancing for a Sylvan elf, but that's just my opinion. And a minor niggle at
that. The interaction between Merry and Pippin was priceless, especially at
the beginning. And it made perfect sense that Pippin, the knight of Gondor,
would want to learn his host-nation's dances. This was quite an enjoyable
gapfiller.

Title: Master
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1089> of the
House · Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble · ID: 639
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=639>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 21:34:08 Score: 3

This is a gorgeous moment connecting Elrond and Sam as two people who cared
deeply about Frodo and knew what it took to heal someone. The connection
made between the two of them in the last paragraph struck me as particularly
astute. I liked this a lot.

Title: Reunion
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1074> ·
Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien Drabble · ID: 634
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=634>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 21:42:22 Score: 3

Oh, this was clever, comparing Elanor and Rose to flowers in a garden. And I
liked how you brought to my mind the fact that Faramir says it is a great
land where gardeners are held in high esteem. He certainly seems to respect
Sam in this drabble. Nice drabble.

Title: Bed
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=4511&SPOrdinal=1

> of Roses · Author: Vistula

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 793
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=793>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 21:53:18 Score: 2

This is a gorgeous vignette. I loved the imagery throughout, but especially
the connection between the comfort Sam would get from a bed of Roses
(Rosies) and a bed of roses. That was so poignant!

Title: Bittersweet
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1043&PHPSESSID
=466178cd3479a0f686f348cef575786a> · Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Drabble · ID: 43
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=43>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 22:05:25 Score: 2

This drabble is very romantic, but somehow more than that. It's a very
well-developed image of the strength Aragorn might have called on during his
wandering in the Wild -- especially given that it's only a hundred words
long.

Title: Simple
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1050> Comfort
· Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Drabble · ID: 636
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=636>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 22:24:42 Score: 3

It's nice that Strider and Sam are connecting here after their
somewhat-rocky start in Bree. I think that Strider, having spent so many
years as a ranger, would appreciate a simple comfort like tea more than Sam
ever thought he would. You brought that out very nicely.

Title: Command
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1149>
Performance · Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 641
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=641>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 22:37:43 Score: 2

Oh, this was cute! Any parent (or older cousin, in my case) has had to sit
through these kinds of performance at least once. You did a good job of
getting Denethor's character of a loving parent across without softening his
character too far.

Title: Hide
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1080> and Seek
· Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest Drabbles · ID: 637
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=637>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 22:46:57 Score: 1

Nice. Until the end I didn't know that it was Faramir instead of Boromir.
That made the drabble work even better.

Title: Requiem <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3074>
· Author: Ellisande
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=26
1> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Poetry · ID: 1064
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1064>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-06-29 23:02:34 Score: 3
This does remind me, especially in the first part of "Where now the horse
and the rider?", as the fictional bard moves from a blocking out or
sketching out of what is no longer to the positive core of loss and the
horror of war. The poet's bitterness comes through clearly.

Title: Disobedience
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3899> · Author:
Ellisande
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=26
1> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Poetry · ID: 1062
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1062>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-06-29 23:03:25 Score: 7
This gives an interesting image of Denethor. On the one hand, he is clearly
obsessed by his wife's fading away, her depression and longing that pulls
her away from him. The stanzas read like a tally of the complaints he has
heard. On the other hand, there is definitely more than touch of the
controlling Steward in this: "you say, Finduilas" is constantly repeated,
and it serves in my mind to belittle her claims, as if they are only *her*
claims, while he, of course, knows better that the streets don't strangle,
that the stone doesn't laugh at you. 'Stop being so sentimental and pull
your head out of the clouds, Finduilas', is the undercurrent here, along
with what seems to be a rising sense of anger that comes from his feeling
out of control: "If I asked for time, Finduilas, would you dare to disobey?"
It makes sense, and ends the poem on a note that is ominous on multiple
levels. Those who like their Denethor dark (as I do) will enjoy this.

Title: Guilt <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3324> ·
Author: Eokat
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=43
7> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) · ID: 1046
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=1046>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-06-29 23:04:28 Score: 2
This story hovers between amusement and angst, with both coming mostly at
Éomer's expense as he waits through his wife's first labor. It's a bit
uneven for my taste, but it has its charm.

Title: Whispers of the
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1872> Dark · Author:
MysteriousWays
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=38
2> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 974
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=974>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-06-29 23:05:16 Score: 5
I liked the device Mysterious Ways used in the earlier dream sequences,
where literally every time Frodo turned around, he saw another part of his
life. The corruption of memory is an interesting way of showing Frodo's
descent, and I rather liked the Old One. Frodo's psyche can indeed get
vicious under the Ring's influence, and turning the torment inflicted into a
test, with the Ring as a reward in Sammath Naur was an excellent and
believable twist—when someone's been ground down so far, anything that seems
to give hope will be snatched at.

Title: A
<http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Chapter.php?CHid=1083> Lesson
In Mercy · Author: Vistula
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
3> the Dunadan · Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-Ring War Drabble · ID: 638
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=26&form_story_filter=638>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16

> · 2005-06-29 23:11:59 Score: 3

I liked how you used the metaphor of a web, so connected with a spider like
Shelob, and connected it with healing. Spiders are natural creatures after
all, and they have a place in the ecosystem. They aren't naturally evil, and
time can use anything like that to heal Sam's wounds. Nicely done.


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