Yahoo Forum Archive

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Title: A Good Custom · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 1380
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 19:47:29
What a delightful vignette! Faramir gets a Hobbit cultural lesson, and also
a birthday gift from Pippin. He reacts in his usual courteous way - then is
surprised by the perceptiveness and suitability of the gift... I'm sure he
didn't expect that from Pippin!

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Title: Sight · Author: Aeneid · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters ·
ID: 374
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-04 19:54:21
I'm a big fan of plasticchevy's The Captan and the King. This scene brings
Boromir and Gil back the way I remember them.
Great visualization of Boromir's handicap. I like the contrast between his
mood in the beginning, when he is lost to his surroundings and the
difference, when Gil gets him out of his world. His way of "seeing" with his
hands and picking up on Gil's reactions without really seeing her. Finally
we get to see what his eyes look like. I always wondered what was left of
his eyes.
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Title: Downfall · Author: Forodwaith · Races/Places: Men · ID: 354
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2005-09-04 19:55:06
Oh my. Such powerful emotions and imagines in such a short space. LOL! I'd
love to say more and add to the score of this review, for you certainly
deserve more. But, words seem to just cheapen the emotion you evoke in this
drabble.
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Title: Mother and Son · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble · ID: 1381
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 20:11:18
Ah, Liz, this gave me goose bumps! Elrond always seemed so self-possessed
and calm -- but now he's facing a reunion with his mother... and it's as if
he's a little boy again, wanting to please her. I loved his nervousness, and
am saddened by his regret that his children didn't accompany him. The ending
is endearing, but what I especially like is the imagery, like: "the sea as
it frets against the stones"... how evocative!

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Title: Fathers and Sons, Cousins and Brothers · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races/Places: Men: Drabble · ID: 1383
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2005-09-04 20:13:07
The quiet emotional reversal in this drabble is delightful. It accomplishes
such hard work with such minimal effort. In one exchange, I hear the voice
of loving father and son, a young Eomer's bereavement and hope, the fierce
loyalty of Rohirrim kin, and an echo of my favorite theme of Tolkien's...
What better thing can come of loss and grief than the determination to love
and hope in the face despair.
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Title: Gríma's Giftgiving · Author: Alawa · Races/Places: Men: Poetry · ID:
502
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2005-09-04 20:15:40
*snork* I'd love to say more.. but... just... *ewwwwwww!*
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Title: Bringing the Sun · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble · ID: 1382
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 20:21:00
Okay, I admit it: I have walked through snow with people who stayed on top,
while I sank to my calves with every single step. It's da*n annoying.

The weariness and drudgery of Aragorn and Boromir's work here comes through
very clearly; and for dauntless Boromir to give up, both of them must have
been weary indeed. But Legolas's news gives them new heart.... I like how it
is clear how much Aragorn appreciates his Elven friend.

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Title: Fathers and Sons, Cousins and Brothers · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races/Places: Men: Drabble · ID: 1383
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 20:37:51
*Sigh* "for a little while"... that's what Théoden said to Merry, and we
know how long that lasted. We know this relationship will last longer, but
end the same... Sorry for getting maudlin... Young Éomer's eagerness to
please Théodred is charming -- but probably Théodred didn't notice that at
the time! Théoden comes off as being extremely wise here (and perhaps a bit
foresighted?), and Théodred is appropriate chastened. Two extremely
honorable men, both lives taken by the forces of evil. *Sigh*

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Title: Legacies · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Drabble ·
ID: 1385
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 20:44:12
I'd blink in surprise, too! It must have been a shock for Faramir to learn
that Pippin was competent, and that his brother had taught the halflings...
but Faramir's response was gracious. Never underestimate an opponent,
indeed... a lesson that Boromir re-iterated in absentia.

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Title: Renewed Acquaintance · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble · ID: 548
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 20:58:00
Very interesting... Boromir has treated Aragorn with (his father's)
mistrust, yet at the end Aragorn is so impressed by his fellow warrior that
he wishes he had had more time to get to know him... hinting at great honor
on the part of both men.

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Title: Seeds of Old Trees · Author: Marnie · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman
· ID: 478
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:32:31

The hardest thing about reviewing Marnie's "Seeds of Old Trees" is deciding
which thing to praise first. There's the metaphysical and philosophical
discussions on topics as varied as the redeemability of orcs, whether fading
is a gift or a curse, the nature of duty to one's loved ones versus more
political duties. There are politics in all there glory, between both the
Ennorim (elves of Middle-earth, those come more recently to Aman) and
Amanyar (elves who are longer-term residents of Aman). Then there's the
sweeping historical narratives, mainly in Celeborn's thoughts. And
gut-wrenching depictions of all the people Celeborn must forgive, and his
struggle with his desires to forgive (or not forgive, in the case of
Celebrimbor).

But I think my favourite aspect of this superb story was how the plot always
kept my mind jumping. As I have said in another review, I have read a lot of
stories about the ring-bearers' arrival to Valinor. This story has a similar
premise in a lot of ways, so the first time I read it I expected the
dock-side reuniting of Celeborn and Galadriel (similar to that of Celebrian
and Elrond), followed by a series of trials that they would face together.
Of course this makes so much more sense! And at every turn I expect Celeborn
to reunite with Galadriel, but there is one detour after another. Of course
the details are the real story.

Combine this with Marnie's natural gift for spinning a rich and very
enjoyable yarn, and her skill at making the tale relevant to those with
limited First Age exposure such as myself, and I can heartily recommend this
story to anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Silmarillion who
loves good drama.
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Title: Dragon of the North · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Gondor:
Pre-Quest Drabbles · ID: 395
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:34:54
I think the thing I love so much about this one is that Denethor is just so
thoroughly Denethor. Not gentle by any means -- political. Conniving,
almost, but not in a bad way. He sees Aragorn as a mercenary of sorts, and
all of Thengel's words aren't enough to change his opinion. And he thinks he
has his father cornered (or at least that he knows his father's mind), but
he is of course surprised at the end. Also very Aragorn through and through,
so calm and controlled but all of his words are true. Of course, I've come
to expect nothing less from Gwynnyd.

And, since I am by no means above flinging nuzgul in a review, may I beg for
some treatment of that meeting between Aragorn and Bard? Even a drable. I
really want to see it now. :-)
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Title: Interment · Author: Forodwaith · Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest
Drabbles · ID: 379
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:36:08
This was very poignantly told. Denethor's grief is only hinted at, but it is
there in the marks his grip leaves in Boromir's and Faramir's tunics. This
is the controlled steward who Pippin encounters at the beginning of Return
of the King (book) before the palantir conquers him. And the fact tht he
thought of the foolishness of the sea tells me that he valued his legacy,
what he would leave behind besides his body. This was very well done.
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Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 150
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:38:05
This paints a very convincing picture of a possible dream visition the
professor might have had. I really like the idea that his creation became
friends of a sort.
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Title: A New Age · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble · ID: 1387
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 21:38:51
So, Eldarion is experiencing a glimpse of the mortality of less-blessed Men?
I'm sure that, though he may not live as long as Aragorn, with his Elven
blood he will still live longer than the average non-Dúnadan... and will
outlive his own steward, maybe more than once. But it is always difficult
for a younger generation to imagine how they are going to be able to fill
their parents' shoes... especially those of a monarch.

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Title: Aragorn Himself Waits for a Sign · Author: Gwynnyd · Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: General Drabble · ID: 392
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:40:25
Good use of the palantir. I can see Aragorn being tempted to do this, and
his growing frustration at no news is something that most of us can relate
to in one way or another.
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Title: Beyond Reach · Author: Elvenesse · Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Drabble · ID: 327
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:41:06
Elwing's logic here would be very twisted and illogical -- in the minds of
anyone else, in any other situation. The best way to be a good mother is to
leave your children behind? But it makes sense here, and that's a credit to
Elvenesse's skill as a writer.
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Title: Patrimony · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest
Drabbles · ID: 247
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-04 21:48:34
We rarely get to see an imperial Faramir, but this drabble shows us one --
in a form. There is the intellectual curiosity that is so characteristic of
him, but here it isn't merely intellectual. Good to know that will be
tempered with age.

The line that caught my attention this time (as opposed to when I first read
it at the birthday cards forum at HASA) is how the river (Anduin) runs
through all the lands Denethor has just named. That reminded me oddly of
ancient Egypt, how the Nile was the lifeblood of the land. Interesting and
fitting -- though quite possibly unintended -- given Tolkien's comments in
the Letters about the crown of the kings resembling the crown of the
pharaohs of Egypt.

All in all this is a good drabble. It's different than what we often see,
but it works.
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Title: And There Make a Garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1388
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 22:17:48
Ah, and if anyone can get passionate about planning a garden, it would be a
forest Elf like Legolas! As usual, I love the reference to an obscure part
of canon (which you did not cite! A drabble without a quotation?
Blasphemous!)

I love the image of Legolas pacing the room, while Faramir is puzzling over
just what in the world this strange fellow is going on about... It is so
perfectly in-character for Faramir to wonder if he is being tested by the
King! Also, I really do believe that Faramir would be a map-lover; the image
of the marked-up map is spot on. I almost wish you had shared Faramir's
pleasure when he realized what a tremendous gift Legolas was bestowing on
him and his bride...

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Title: Now in silence, now in speech · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 1389
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 22:50:57
A long family tradition of ancient lore sure comes in handy when you want to
recount long romantic tales for your sweetheart and wife! This is just so
quintessentially Faramirish, the loremaster and lover as well as warrior and
Steward. I really like your synopses of Tolkien's greatest love stories of
all time, especially "precious jewels ... no match for her bright eyes". (I
imagine that he will later transport Éowyn with his skill, as well... nice
turn of phrase.)

And "sweet duplicity" is a perfect way to end this drabble!

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Title: Wandering in the Wild · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Drabble ·
ID: 1391
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-04 23:08:34
I always wondered what it would be like to watch a planet in the night sky,
knowing that it was your living father, grandfather, or (in Aragorn's case)
distant ancestor. It seems comfort him.

The Ranger life is incredibly difficult... I can see that one would become
very sensitive to the seasons, and the different (but almost always
uncomfortable) forms of weather associated with each -- and would have
favorites and least-favorites.

But this drabble ends on such a beautiful and loving reminiscence, that the
difficulties must seem somewhat lighter to Aragorn. And I love that you
start with Gil-Estel, and end with Evenstar -- very nice, Liz!

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Title: Where the Stars Are Strange · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Men
· ID: 255
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2005-09-04 23:10:58
Ah.

I've read Dwimordene's writing off and on but, truth to be told, had been
avoiding this piece.

Why? You may well ask. Perhaps it initially was because I tend to read
fanfic for its escapist qualities and delving into the existential after a
day's work seemed a little more than my weary mind could handle. But, then
again, upon further examination, perhaps not, as the questions she raises in
other pieces have their own depth to them. I certainly enjoyed them
thoroughly, day's work behind me or no.

But, there it was, on the list of MEFA stories with the tantalizing Mithril
commendation and so, the girding of loins began and I braved the link with a
mere cup of thin, dry wine to fortify me. Alas, that I should have read the
tale contained within with so little warning! I knew not what awaited me.

It began with the deep and true characterization of Aragorn, brave Ranger of
the North and lover of the elusive Evenstar. Only then did I know that I
beheld my greatest fears. For, I found that, in pondering this work by the
author Dwim, I soon began to channel my inner Gollum.

For, we hatess her. Yess, we do, preciousss.

Nassty Dwim, who paintses beautiful and stark pictureses of the desssert
through cruel, hard Ranger's desspair, loneliness and longingss. We know
longingses, yess we do, preciousss! Longingsss to write storiesss to match
the emotional depth of this piecesses.

She hurtsss us, she doess!

And she doessn't stop there, doess she preciousss? Oh no, cruel, hard Dwim
with her dialogue of interwined pretext and subtextsess. The ebb and flowss
of tension of when the surface matchesess the depthss and when they play the
game... The balanceses of action and internal dialogue! The perfect,
sssatisfying ending! Cruel, cruel Dwim! No mercy for poor Anoriath, no.

*Gollum!*



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