Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Cool <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=4938>
Waters · Author: DragonLady7
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=25
9> · Races/Places: Elves: First Age · ID: 692
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=692>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:13:25 Score: 6

This story made wonderful use of contrasts. The action was fast and furious,
but the moments in between were so quiet that it was eerie, particularly the
moments with Glorfindel tending to Ecthelion. They were juxtaposed nicely by
Ecthelion's last hurrah in his fight with Gothmog, a fight that went so fast
and was over so quickly that I was as taken aback as Glorfindel when Tuor
grabbed his arms. The contrasts make this such a powerful story because the
extremes are even more vivid. Hope and despair were another two contrasts
that were used well, especially when Egalmoth showed up. The reunion was
very hopeful, but Glorfindel's acknowledgement of reality made the story
dark again. And it felt darker for having been a little brighter. Great
writing.

Title: Shipwright
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3409> · Author:
Berzerker
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=35
6> Prime · Races/Places: Elves · ID: 1053
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1053>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:17:29 Score: 5

My favorite part of this story is when the viewpoint shifted and became
Gandalf's rather than Cirdan's. Cirdan was so very elven at that moment, and
I loved the deliberation in determining where Narya should go. I also liked
his firm believe that Saruman should NOT get the ring. I wonder just how
much he saw. And fascinating idea that Sauron would go for Narya first among
all the Three, even though it was the furthest away. Great concepts
throughout, and great characterization of Cirdan.

Title: First
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=1712&cid=12870> Words ·
Author: Jay
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=13
4> of Lasgalen · Races/Places: Elves: Imladris · ID: 1324
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1324>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:19:50 Score: 2

Cute! Poor Elrond. His sons' first word wasn't something dignified, or even
Ada. Still, it was very fitting given the fact that this is Elladan and
Elrohir. Loved Glorfindel's attempts to get them to say his name. That was
fun.

Title: Letter From
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3251> Elladan ·
Author: Jay
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=13
4> of Lasgalen · Races/Places: Elves: Imladris · ID: 1080
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1080>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:20:31 Score: 6

I really enjoyed the epilogue to this story, but as powerful as that was, I
think I liked the letter itself best. It was so very simple. The things that
needed to be said were said, the facts were laid out, and then it ended. The
air of resignation was sorrowing, but it was also the resignation of one who
knew that his cause was worthy, which made it a bit more hopeful. I find it
interesting that this is something the twins wouldn't discuss with one
another, and I have to wonder if the possibility of separation made them
avoid the subject. Elladan did address it in the letter, and that strikes me
as something that would be difficult to confront with his brother. In any
case, great story. And great depiction of a very strong Elladan.

Title: What Cannot be
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2579> Undone ·
Author: Zimraphel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=33
9> · Races/Places: Elves: Imladris · ID: 1013
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1013>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:21:05 Score: 6

I really like this portrayal of Glorfindel, and I love the understanding
that he brings to the conflict in this story. It's a good thing for Elladan
and Elrohir that he's around. As wise as Elrond is, I'm not sure he would
have understood the depth of the rage these two were nursing. It doesn't
feel as though he would let himself go that far. Which means that Glorfindel
has a golden opportunity to shine because he does know and he is willing to
go further with Elladan and Elrohir because of it. Fascinating exploration
of personalities and the killing spree that the twins went on. It's been
brought into a new light by this story.

Title: Spirit
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=2321&SPOrdinal=2

> Reforged · Author: Erin's

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=36
6> Daughter · Races/Places: Elves: Imladris · ID: 725
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=725>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:22:04 Score: 5

What I loved most about this vignette was the fact that Narsil became a
character in his own right. The elven smith was a great character as far as
we came to know him, but Narsil was a full-fledged personality: one that
changed with the forging and that even named itself before the end. I really
liked that little tidbit, and I loved how Aragorn and the smith could both
sense that Narsil had chosen to be called Anduril. Great imagery, too! The
forging process was brilliantly described.

Title: The <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=319>
Twilight · Author: Aerlinnel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=28
0> · Races/Places: Elves: Imladris · ID: 399
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=399>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:23:28 Score: 5

This is a great portrayal of Elrohir and his feelings over Arwen's choice!
Elrohir himself is fleshed out well, and Elladan, too. I loved the easy way
that they drew strength from one another. The bond between the two brothers
was powerfully portrayed, and I enjoyed their section together. But most of
all, I enjoyed the last part where Elrohir goes to Arwen and Arwen proves
herself just as shrewd as her father and brothers when it comes to reading
between the lines. At least there was an agreement of sorts reached between
the two. The end was wonderfully bittersweet as a result.

Title: L for Love
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=4995> · Author:
Tehta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=18
5> · Races/Places: Elves: First Age · ID: 1128
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1128>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:24:31 Score: 5

The humor in this story was absolutely fantastic. Poor Celeborn. And poor
Daeron, too. I don't think that his ideas are going to be understood in the
near future. Or that Celeborn is going to let him do any more carvings on
either trees or himself. What really gets me, though, is that Daeron
pioneered his idea of writing things down by resorting to the tried and true
method of I-Heart-Luthien on an oak. That's hilarious! I really do feel
sorry for Celeborn as he tries to make sense of all this. I wouldn't be
surprised if he had a headache by the time this was over.

Title: One Word <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=649>
· Author: Joan
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
0> Milligan · Races/Places: Elves: First Age · ID: 1081
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1081>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 21:26:11 Score: 6

Powerful. Very powerful. The ramifications of Thingol's ban on Quenya are
definitely felt in this story. I've wondered once in a while what the Noldor
who didn't know Sindarin did when they came into contact with those
forbidden to speak Quenya, but this story goes far beyond anything my meager
thoughts could have envisioned. The elf's reflections on just how important
language is, especially to the Noldor, were a great bit of foreshadowing,
and then to have him recognize the word "kinslayer" out of all the words he
could have recognized was devastating. And then to be unable to say anything
about it or to explain hurt even more. Thingol really was clever with this
ban, though I have to wonder if he intended for it to go quite this far.
Brilliant concept.

Title: The
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=12847> Lady’s
Gift · Author: Dreamflower
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=11
5> · Races/Places: Elves: Lothlorien · ID: 979
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=979>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 23:49:33 Score: 3

Short yet very sweet. I like the fact that Frodo's gift was created in the
evening while Sam's gift was a morning endeavor. And I like even more the
fact that while it's a symbol of hope to Sam, it's also hope to Galadriel
that something of Lothlorien will endure in the Shire. Good job with packing
so much emotion into such a little vignette.

Title: Bound by
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2394> Difference ·
Author: just_sphinx
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=92

> · Races/Places: Elves: First Age · ID: 1119

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1119>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 23:51:31 Score: 7

The descriptions in this story blew me away. The narrative is so carefully
worded, and the imagery is so precise and so vivid that everything can be
seen clearly. And the picture becomes even clearer when the contrasts are
added. Foiling Nerdanel against Galadriel (and Galadriel against Nerdanel)
was a brilliant idea. The two bring out so many things in each other.
They're very different, but Feanor is right: they're more alike than either
of them would ever admit. I love the idea of lust and love as well as
sunrise and sunset. These things can be both direct opposites as well as
equals. And this continues right up to the point where Galadriel greets
Nerdanel, and their mannerisms take on the same contrasts. It's a polite
greeting but not necessarily a welcome one. Great story, and thank you for
such clear pictures in my mind of these two elves. I can see both their
outward appearance and the demeaner of their hearts.

Title: Marred <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3461>
Stars · Author: Bejai
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=23
6> · Races/Places: Elves: First Age · ID: 673
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=673>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 23:52:57 Score: 7

And once again, Celeborn proves why he was eventually called the Wise. The
kid is definitely smart, and his speech to Elmo was brilliant. I loved the
insight that Elmo draws from it about the broken stars versus the perfect
stars. As for Elmo, his talk with Olwe was heart-wrenching. They saw things
so differently, and from their separate perspectives, they were both right
in their decisions. But of course, that doesn't make it any easier on the
other. Olwe, in particular, was very sobering with his observation that he
has now lost two brothers. If only they could have all waited just a little
longer. But for those who did not think that Thingol was still alive, that
wouldn't have made much sense, I suppose. It's heartening that Olwe still
asks, but the fact that it was more of an absent after-thought indicates
that he doesn't have a lot of hope left. Great story on the separation of
the last few elves who crossed the Sea.

Title: Alas for the
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2404> Wailing of the
Gulls · Author: Jay
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=13
4> of Lasgalen · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 1079
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1079>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 23:55:51 Score: 3

Good gap-filler. The action was fast and easy to follow, and Legolas's
solution to overwhelming odds was ingenius. Very fun. I liked the discussion
that ensued afterwards, too, and how Legolas once believed that Galadriel
foretold his death. It's a tidbit that Tolkien never really expanded upon,
so it's good to see it get more attention here.

Title: Winter
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=2807&cid=10858> Encounters
· Author: jastaelf
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=38

> · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 294

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=294>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 23:58:17 Score: 6

This story strikes a wonderful balance between humorous, cross-cultural
encounter and sober anxiety for a pair of sons headed toward Mordor.
Thranduil and Gloin were quite civil to one another, despite a few missteps
over things like the word "Mirkwood" and issues of previous accomodations.
But I think they may have reached an understanding of sorts by the end, and
they might have something in common, too. I loved the idea of anyone
"handling Gandalf." That was priceless, and it was something both Gloin and
Thranduil could laugh over. Great dialogue and nice restraint on the part of
both characters. It's good to see them both painted in a favorable light.

Title: Minuial <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3660>
· Author: Cheryl
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=25
2> · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 222
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=222>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-12 23:59:04 Score: 4

Thranduil can be a difficult elf to depict, but I like the way he was
portrayed here. One gets the sense that he plays many roles and that he
switches between them so often that it's become natural. His moments of
nostalgia and his words of warning are those of both a father and a king,
and I really like the idea that Thranduil has found a way to balance what
might sometimes be conflicting duties.

Title: Time's <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3240>
Turnings · Author: daw
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
6> the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 156
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=156>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:00:16 Score: 5

This felt a bit like an in-between story, but even so, it was still a very
enjoyable ride. I loved seeing Eilian, Belion, Legolas, and Maltanaur team
up in Dale. The plot around the spice merchant and the tension between elves
and men was an interesting twist that developed slowly until the entire
story came out with Belion's discovery. Great emotions and reactions from
everyone, and I love the character growth that went on, too. Definitely a
time of learning for all involved, and as a bonus, Legolas can now pick
locks! That should prove both interesting and helpful in the future.

Title: Good Enough
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3453> · Author:
Karenator
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=10

> · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 217

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=217>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:00:37 Score: 3

What impressed me msot about this story was the level of detail given to
customs, circumstances, and characterization. The idea of having a new
red-banded spider was fascinating, and I was interested to learn how novice
warriors trained. The OCs were full characters with faults and strengths,
and even the antagonists had logic to their arguments.

Title: Wisdom Long
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2108> Obscured ·
Author: just_sphinx
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=92

> · Races/Places: Elves: Lothlorien · ID: 1012

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1012>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:01:54 Score: 6

I think Lothlorien lends itself to introspection, because Aragorn is
certainly doing a lot of it here. He's also doing quite a bit of thinking on
his companion, which is what really makes this story so good. The world
needs more Celeborn. Simple and inescapable fact. Especially the type of
Celeborn that is portrayed here. I loved the descriptions and the
comparisons with Galadriel. He's different from her, there's no doubt about
that, but different does not mean weaker. It means he has other strengths to
call upon, and that is portrayed very well. Great dialogue from Celeborn as
he shows Aragorn why he is known as the Wise. And also why Lothlorien has
survived so long with Dol Guldur as a neighbor. This is an elf to be
reckoned with. Wonderful characterization!

Title: Heart's <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2117>
Ease · Author: Bodkin
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=41
1> · Races/Places: Elves: Post-Ring War · ID: 1217
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1217>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:04:49 Score: 5

I think what I liked most about this story were the changes it depicted in
the elves now that they are in the Blessed Realm. Galadriel, in particular,
really impressed me. She and Celeborn are probably right: the Ring she bore
affected who she was. She was proud and haughty before she came into
possession of Nenya, but the way Celeborn described it seems to indicate
that Nenya had a greater hold on Galadriel than either of them could have
anticipated. Good reunion story that read very smoothly and packed in a few
punches of humor to lighten the mood.

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

> · Races/Places: Elves: Post-Ring War · ID: 959

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=959>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:05:40 Score: 3

The poor attendants must have been at their wit's ends, trying to figure out
what to do with an elven queen and her visiting grandfather. Good ficlet,
and I love Celeborn's pride at the fact that there is quite a bit of Sinda
in Arwen. I'm in complete agreement with him, too. As long as she is
part-Sinda, Arwen will make a very fine queen indeed.

Title: To Give Love
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=175> Its Due ·
Author: Finch
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=27
4> · Races/Places: Elves: Post-Ring War · ID: 733
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=733>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:06:35 Score: 5

How very like Gandalf to be so vague. Gotta love that wizard. Great story. I
knew that something was up when Amarie said that she held her new love in
her arms one year after Finrod left, but for some reason, the meaning of her
words didn't click in my mind. Fortunately, Finrod is quite a bit smarter
than I am and worked out the math. The meeting between father and son, once
one knew who the other was, had some great moments, and the concluding
section between Amarie and Finrod was very good. I liked the banter and the
teasing when Finrod decided to test out his new body.

Title: Sercemaitë
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=548> · Author:
Aerlinnel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=28
0> · Races/Places: Elves: First Age · ID: 382
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=382>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:12:49 Score: 7

The bewilderment these elves felt at the coming of the Noldor was
frightening. And saddening. The kinslayings were certainly terrible events,
but I don't think I had ever realized the full horror until seeing it
through the eyes of one who had no idea what was happening or why. I loved
how the story started large but then narrowed until it was only about a
single elf and his horror at what he was being forced to do. I have to
wonder if the refugees of Doriath told those of Gondolin nothing about what
drove them from Doriath, but the confusion was so effective that I can
forget about that. And the almost calm way in which either Amrad or Amras
avenged the other was chilling. And a very sobering kind of mercy, too. Also
sobering was how much this elf now welcomed death, particularly when many of
the elves had lived with this for years now. I can only imagine what the
horror has done to them.

Title: Sapphire
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2953> Aurae · Author:
Bejai
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=23
6> · Races/Places: Elves: Imladris · ID: 164
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=164>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:18:06 Score: 9

Stunning. Perhaps the most in-depth exploration of those who stood by the
bearers of the Three and everything they endured because of it. Tying
Celebrian's capture and torture into her connection to Elrond (and through
that, Vilya) was absolutely brilliant. I love the way that the Rings were
explained and how their powers worked. And I love the fact that Celeborn and
Glorfindel seem to understand the Rings best, even though they're watching
through an outside perspective. Characterization worked the same way. The
outside perspective on others gave clear, vivid portrayals into some of
Tolkien's most ambiguous characters. As the center of the story, Celebrian
and Elrond were powerful characters, but also strong personalities were
Galadriel, Celeborn, Glorfindel, Elladan, and Elrohir. And the personalities
fit. They were all individuals, but they all meshed together to form a
family. But perhaps best of all was the theme of duty and how it became the
cost of love for both Elrond and Celebrian as well as Celeborn and
Galadriel. I really don't think I've ever seen the relationship between
spouses and Ring-bearers portrayed so well and so profoundly. Fantastic
writing! It filled the cracks that Tolkien left behind.

Title: Far <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2268>
Horizons · Author: Bodkin
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=41
1> · Races/Places: Elves: Post-Ring War · ID: 1214
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1214>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 00:26:10 Score: 7

LOVED the politics and the mystery. Wonderfully creative yarn of a story
that had me guessing left and right. There were even a few well-crafted red
herrings thrown in. I have to admit that I suspected Camentur for a while as
he was the first one to accuse Calion when no one had seen the actual shot.
But I'm rather proud of myself for figuring out much of it by the end,
though there were still a few curves. I knew it would boil down to a
personal vendetta rather than a plot against the Sindar, but I was looking
at Elerrina as the target. Great epic, and nice treatment of very sensitive
issues, such as kinslaying. And kudos for a wonderful Finarfin
characterization. He's always intrigued me, and I like his portrayal as
wise, understanding, and merciful but also ruthless and creative when it
comes to getting what he wants.

Title: Creature of
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3490> Fire · Author:
daw
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
6> the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 1218
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=58&form_story_filter=1218>
Reviewer: Thundera
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=86

> Tiger · 2005-08-13 01:39:31 Score: 7

I love the way that the personal issues are woven into the a larger story
arc that affects everyone, such as Legolas losing Tuilinn during Smaug's
destruction of Erebor. Said destruction was brilliantly told, by the way,
with some excellent pacing and riveting action. But sometimes the big
conflicts are best told by boiling them down into something closer to home,
and Legolas's reaction to Tuilinn's death was very personal. His various
stages of shock were so true to real life that it hurt, and his family's
attempts to help, though done with good intentions, only seemed to make
things worse. Thank goodness for Beliond, who gained new respect from me
over the course of this story. Overall, great characterization and great
weaving of bigger events into very personal matters.


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