Yahoo Forum Archive

-----------------------------------
Title: High Places Author: Kielle Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Elves
ID: 1086
Reviewer: Marta 2005-09-27 00:08:15
Oh, this one really made me cringe. First we have what appears to be a sad
enough scene, a child and his "uncle" looking for that child's mother in the
midst of war and destruction. But then once we escape Gondolin is what truly
affected me: the revelation that that child's uncle was Maeglin. I don't
know who I expected it to be, but still... it puts such a switch on
everything that's done. Did Maeglin really care for Earendil, or was it all
just a ploy to get Tuor out of Gondolin? This is a story that will make
anyone with even a passing knowledge of the Silm look away, but it also is a
great testament to all of the skills this author possessed: at the
forefront, the ability to write children in such difficult situations. Very
well done, Kielle.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rohirrim Grey Author: sulriel Genres: Non-Fiction ID: 143
Reviewer: Marta 2005-09-27 00:21:36
This is a very useful resource for those people (like me!) who seem to be
forever writing pieces that require horses, without really knowing much
about our four-hooved friends. Thanks, Sulriel!
-----------------------------------
Title: Travel Times in Middle-earth Author: sulriel Genres: Non-Fiction
ID: 144
Reviewer: Marta 2005-09-27 00:25:04
You know, I don't usually write pieces that are so long that I need to know
the travel times. If the piece takes place on a journey, it usually doesn't
last long enough to get to the end of it. The thing I really liked about
this resource isn't the numbers but the proposed routes. Sulriel, you can't
know how much fun this has provided, as I speculate what all these different
probable routes provides in the way of politics, economics, friendships in
different communities, and so on. "Them be nuzgul in them thar hills!" as my
brother would say. And may I just say thank you for all the people who *do*
need these numbers for actual stories? I appreciate being able to read
well-researched pieces, and this resource definitely does its part toward
that goal.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mathesis Author: Dwimordene Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gondor
Drabble ID: 532
Reviewer: Marta 2005-09-27 00:31:55
This drabble really appealed to the mathematician in me. Sorry to bore the
people (like the author, perhaps!) less inclined to numbers, but there's an
extra dimension to the world that Dwim captures remarkably well here.
There's a natural order to things. I remember sitting in an ethics class
spring semester with the windows opened (old building, no air), and hearing
the construction workers building the new parking garage down the block
laying the foundation. There was one da-dunk, three second break, another
da-dunk, one second, and a third da-dunk, repeating that pattern on and on.
It's little things like that that Denehtor seems to be seeing, hearing,
feeling. The natural order, the search for patterns, the need to conform the
world to something that can be understood. What a nice insight into his
character for me -- and what a nice connection to one of Tolkien's character
that I have a great personal affinity for.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mushroom Lore Author: Werecat Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor
ID: 365
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan 2005-09-27 00:31:56
This is a nice little vignette, but it's bound to leave you hungry, as the
members of the Fellowship exchange ideas on how to prepare mushrooms. I
particularly liked Aragorn's reminisences of the mushrooms that grow far to
the south.
-----------------------------------
Title: Light out of Darkness Author: Shirebound Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gap-Filler ID: 895
Reviewer: Inkling 2005-09-27 15:15:40
Reading these vignettes is like opening a jewel-box and carefully lifting
each small, exquisitely crafted treasure to admire and delight in, one by
one. And yet they also work beautifully together in tracing the gradual path
of Frodo's healing. Excellently researched and superb use of quotes from the
books.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hands that Heal Author: Jeodo Brandybuck Races/Places: Hobbits:
Merry & Pippin ID: 797
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 15:30:50
This is a wonderful Crickhollow story, a glimpse of Merry and Pippin getting
their lives back, told in a very hobbity way. Frodo has sailed and Merry is
not doing well. He is having trouble with the Shadow and his arm is
troubling him and Pippin plots to take his cousins mind off his troubles.
His machinations to distract Merry and to get him to take an interest in his
life and the simple pleasures of the Shire are brilliant, ultimately
inspiring his cousin to begin writing his celebrated volume on Herblore.

Pippin is also not well. He has his own nightmares, and aches and pains from
his wounds, and needs to be outside in the fresh air more, rather than
staying indoors with Merry. Though he doesnt realise it, his scheming to
help Merry also winds up helping he himself, as Merry needs help with his
new project and considers it just the thing to get Pippin out and about
more.

I think that one of my favourite aspects of this story is how well Merry and
Pippin know each other. They are each able to manipulate the other for the
others own good, without the other being aware that the same thing is being
done to himself. I also really liked that when Merry first considers writing
his book, he thinks that perhaps this might be a way to honour Theoden, a
way to make up for never getting to sit with the old King and discuss
Herblore. I loved the authors summation of how Merry saw Theoden: Merry
remembered the king with gratitude as a courteous and kind man who sought to
set a frightened lad at ease by speaking of the simple things that Merry
knew. That is just perfect.

-----------------------------------
Title: Bitter as Willow Author: Nickey Races/Places: Villains ID: 801
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 15:46:27
What to say about this brilliant storyNickey has a gift for writing outside
the box, for crafting stories of incredible depth and characterisations.
This is one of the best examples of her work. It is told in a deceptively
simple style, an internal monologue. The character though is Old Man Willow,
and there is nothing simple about his malevolent thoughts. His calculating
glee as three out of the four hobbits from the Shire that have strayed into
his domain succumb to his hypnotic and dreamy song is timeless, hate filled
and utterly evil.

And even so, even though revenge is within his grasp, literally, one of the
small beings manages to touch even his black heart, and for that young one,
death shall be swift and painless. I loved that Pippins youth and innocence,
and his beauty, managed to touch the malicious creature.

Merry though is one of the hated Brandybucks and for that he shall know
pain. What an imaginative theory as to why Pippin has disappeared completely
inside the Willow, and Merry is trapped in the crack. Old Man Willow plans
to end Pippin quickly and with mercy, and Merry slow and painfully,
squeezing him to death a little at a time.

Her descriptions of Old Man Willows intentions towards Frodo and Sam are
equally vivid and tailored to the individual. I especially loved that the
Willow compared each of the four hobbits to a tree, Pippin a hazel, Merry a
chestnut, Frodo pine and hawthorn, and Sam as a sturdy oak. The attributes
of the trees as applied to their personalities is spot on. Wonderful story
Nickey!

-----------------------------------
Title: At Last Author: Mariposa Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire ID: 808
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 16:27:37
These glimpses of Merry and Pippins homecomings are really good. So much
emotion in so few words, and each little ficlet is perfect for the
character. The glimpses we are given of their parents are spot on as well,
and I particularly liked the mention that Esmeraldas eyes are green, like
filmverse Pippins. Well done Mariposa!
-----------------------------------
Title: Victories Won Author: Garnet Took Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Hurt/Comfort ID: 810
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 16:55:57
This is a very nice fic set both in Cormallen and the Shire. Gandalf and
Gimli talk while sitting at unconscious Pippins bedside, and the wizards
words reveal to Gimli the depth of Gandalfs love for the youngest hobbit of
the Fellowship. I really liked the way the story went back and forth from
the present, back to the time around Pippins birth.

When Pippin is born the various close members of the family have been called
to the Took home because the baby is not expected to survive. Though he is
not exactly a member of the family, Gandalfs presence during Pippins first
days seems very fitting. Gandalfs words of prophecy regarding the infant are
intriguing, and the title of the piece comes from Gandalfs statement that
though the child will have issues with poor health, he will triumph over
them all. I thought it was an interesting statement by Gandalf that it was
Pippins victory over these previous health problems that would enable him to
survive his crushing by the troll.

The best part of this story for me though was the love for Pippin that was
evident from all of the characters, past and present, and the intimate
knowledge of him shown by Gandalf and Gimli. I love this line: Why am I not
surprised, said Gimli, that our Peregrin just couldnt wait till the proper
time to be born?

I think that this is one of Garnets best stories so far.

-----------------------------------
Title: Cormallen Author: Mariposa Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Incomplete ID: 807
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 18:14:39
This is a terrific Cormallen fic and I am so anxious for Mariposa to finish
it, sigh. I particularly enjoyed the relationship among all of the
Fellowship in this story, and how everyone obviously cares greatly for
Pippin. Here is a perfect example: "Merry is coming, my dear," said Gandalf
softly. He stroked Pippin's hair gently. I can see this moment perfectly in
my minds eye, the battle is won, and there are cares much nearer to Gandalfs
heart that cause him to show emotions that he could not have been so free
with before.

There are so many great moments and descriptions in this story but one of my
favourite parts is the journey from the battlefield to Cormallen. Pippins
keening is so heart wrenching, as are his words to Legolas, to tell Merry he
loves him should he die before he can tell Merry himself. The description of
Legolas struggling to maintain his control when Pippin says this is
wonderful. I also loved every part of Merry and Pippin together, when Pippin
asked Merry to give his love to everyone should he die, Merry helping
Ancalime to treat Pippins wounds, and the way that Merry sought to comfort
them both by climbing carefully into Pippin's cot and falling asleep next to
his cousin.

The medical procedures seem well researched, and the dialogue, descriptions,
and characterisations are very good. There are a couple of things that need
tweaking, but nothing that detracted from my enjoying this story immensely!
100 wet hobbits to Mariposa if she finishes the story!

-----------------------------------
Title: A Foolish Thing Author: Dana Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Hobbits ID: 1031
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 18:36:38
Dana has such a wonderful way of weaving words and story threads and this
story is one of her best I think. Merrys contemplation of what Pippin has
gone through is woven with the description of Pippins first hand experience
of being laid bare to Sauron, and the result is a very powerful glimpse of
the moments directly after Pippin looked into the palantir.

I think that Pippins part of this story is my favourite. The descriptions as
he struggles tenaciously not to reveal all he knows to the Dark Lord give
such insight to his spirit and strength of will. He may have been foolish to
look, but there is nothing of the fool about him as he manages to survive
this rape of his mind without revealing more to Sauron than what type of
creature he is. I feel such pride in him!

I feel sad for Merry because he has no control over this situation, and must
just accept. There is a heavy sense of hopelessness over the whole situation
slowly coming down upon him, as though he has begun to feel the loneliness
of missing Pippin even before Gandalf takes him away.

-----------------------------------
Title: Pitfalls of the Palantir Author: Haleth Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Humor ID: 1296
Reviewer: Alassante 2005-09-27 19:33:07
Haleth's story grabs you from the very beginning and you don't want to stop
reading it once you have started. I made the mistake of starting it in the
wee hours of the morning and only stopped when my vision was so blurred I
could do nothing but stop.

From the first chapter with a walrus playing with a Palentir her originality
shines through. Tell me who else would write a story about a walrus in
Middle Earth. I can honestly say I have never read a story like that nor
even had an idea of a walrus being there! She then followed it up with a
chapter where an male elf gets tied down by a female woman WITHOUT it being
for sexual reasons. How funny was that??? And the lemmings leaping to their
death over Inglor? At that point I was giggling madly and looking quite
insane at 3am giggling at my computer screen. She has a great talent for
writing but her delivery of humor is what made this story so damn
hysterical.
-----------------------------------
Title: He Stands Not Alone Author: Azalais Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble ID: 147
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 19:46:27
This is a terrific drabble. It packs so much into the 100 words - the drama
and imperativeness of the moment is very sharp, and I could see this playing
out in my mind's eye. Very, very good!
-----------------------------------
Title: Take the Little Ones Author: Space Weavil Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Elves ID: 163
Reviewer: Alassante 2005-09-27 19:54:21
I have never been a big Erestor fan. Come to think of it, I never thought
much of him one way or another. He just was another dark haired Noldorian
elf on the council that was always paired with Glorfindel in slash stories.

This story made me see him in a whole new light. Spaceweavil has given him a
rich and very tragic history in this story and it was very touching. I think
the flashing back and forth between the then and now was particularly
emotionally moving because the Erestor of the past was one in a desperate
situation and the Erestor of the present was wise due to the events that
happened that night and since then. When Erestor (from the past) is cursing
Celebrimbor for the fate they all suffered yet later he admits to the
children he is showing around that he was overly proud and sought out
greatness rather than being satisfied with what he had showed how over the
years he gained wisdom.

The scene with his wife dying was heartbreaking with her telling him to save
their children rather than trying to help her. As a mother that tugged at my
heart strings quite a lot. Spaceweavil has the right amount of angst in this
story so that you see that even though there was sadness, the children lived
so there was also hope.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cormallen Author: Frodo Baggins of Bag End (Febobe) Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings ID: 799
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 20:02:00
This is a very sad, nicely written take on Frodos condition at the Feast of
Cormallen. While he appears outwardly cheerful and healed, his close
companions can sense that he is not as he once was, and will never be that
way again. Some can tell that he will not linger long in Middle-earth and it
is a bittersweet victory feast indeed.

I thought particularly that Merrys part of the tale was nicely done,
revealing the beginnings of his interest in Herblore, and I especially like
his thought that if he was caused such pain and injury when stabbing the
Witch-king, what must Frodo have endured being stabbed by him.

-----------------------------------
Title: Heirs of Isildur Author: Dwimordene Races/Places: Men: Eriador ID:
243
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon 2005-09-27 20:14:57
An interesting look at the pressures exerted upon the young Aragorn - not as
the Chieftain of the Dunedain or the true King of the West but as the most
eligible bachelor in Arnor. I like the deft exposition of how Aragorn's
having been raised by Elves affected his view of love and marriage. We don't
see enough stories of Aragorn as a young man, hanging out with the Dunedain,
specifically Halbarad; and this one is a charming slice of the life of our
favorite many-named Ranger-King.
-----------------------------------
Title: If Ever Two Were One Author: Nessime Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Incomplete ID: 752
Reviewer: Dwimordene 2005-09-27 20:26:37
Nessime is a woman after my own heart: she falls for the minor character
just off to the side of the exposition and starts to spin a story to suit
him. There are a number of things going on in this story that make the
reader wonderwhy are people whispering about Edrys now that Garulf is riding
northeast with omer? Instead of an answer, we drift back in time to a
seemingly normal setting that almost immediately begins to undermine that
sense of normalcy. Something has happened to Edrys, something that Garulf
knows (something) about; the two are definitely connected.

Unfortunately, since the story is unfinished, the mysteries remain! So
Ness--when's chapter 8 coming out?

-----------------------------------
Title: Stealth and Grace Author: Anastasia Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor ID: 802
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 20:27:20
In this cheerful tale Pippin is determined to learn the sort of dancing that
is done by the Big Folk so that he can dance with Arwen at her wedding to
Aragorn. Merry enlists Legolas to help Pippin, and Legolas in turn enlists
Merry to partner Pippin at his lessons. This results in some wonderful
banter between the two, and even Legolas joins in, bestowing upon them the
names Stealth and Grace. I particularly liked Merrys teasing later on in the
story, when he pretends that he intends to be Pippins dancing partner on the
big night, the lass half of the twosome. He is quite convincing!

I liked Pippins eagerness to honour Aragorn and Arwen here, and also to show
the grand people of Gondor that a hobbit could learn their kind of dancing,
and could adapt to their culture if need be, but without forsaking his own.
Merrys determination to remain simply a hobbit, and stick to his peoples own
ways was very in character I thought, as was his change of heart when he
agreed to help Pippin.

-----------------------------------
Title: Taur Ingem Author: Nancy Brooke Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Drabble ID: 629
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon 2005-09-27 20:34:55
Nice use of Sindarin for the title. A well-written look through Boromir's
eyes at the decrepit Theoden. Boromir/Theoden encounters are not often, if
ever, described in fanfiction; this drabble concentrates on the effect of
Theoden's condition on Boromir, which seems credible, given Boromir's own
character.
-----------------------------------
Title: In The Shadow of His Blade Author: pipkinsweetgrass Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Gondor ID: 803
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 20:51:33
This is a beautiful story. This authors particular interest is the
relationship between Boromir and Merry and Pippin, and she proves here her
love and understanding of these characters and their relationship. The way
the story begins and ends with Bergil as an old man sitting with his
great-grandson and remembering the main part of the story is perfect for
this tale.

I like the idea that the surviving members of the Fellowship that yet
remained in Middle-earth would travel all the way to Minas Tirith to pay
honour to Boromir. From the very beginning of the flashback, when Pippin
enters the room to find the small bouquet of Evermind on an empty chair,
representing Boromir, we know that it will be a bittersweet story, and it
is, but it is hopeful and uplifting as well. Boromirs nighttime visit to
Merry, Pippin, and Faramir, as seen through Pippin's encounter, is very well
done, and finally sets their minds at rest over his death.

Their speeches the next day when the statue of Boromir is to be revealed to
the people are wonderful, and completely appropriate to the characters
within the context of the story. The description of the statue when it is
unveiled is so perfect! Boromir, with Merry and Pippin, their own swords
drawn, standing in the shadow of his blade, being protected by him, and also
able to protect themselves and each other because of the skills he taught
them. And the description and qualities of the new type of Evermind, Dutiful
Son is inspired, and ties in to the otherworldliness of Boromirs visit. A
very serious story, but one filled with love.


-----------------------------------
Title: Silence In The Night Author: Piplover Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Post-Ring War ID: 812
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 21:24:13
There are so many things that I like about this story. The beginning, Merrys
nightmare, is written with a lovely sense of inescapable dread and
descriptiveness we know what Merry is going to find before it happens but
the shock is still there when he turns over Pippins body and sees that he is
dead. Because we know that this is a nightmare, we understand Frodo waking
Merry in such a drastic way, and we think that Merry will snap out of it.
But then the real impact of the story hits us Merry *still* thinks that
Pippin is dead, he *still* feels that crushing horror and hopelessness, he
*knows* that his Pippin is gone forever, and Piplover really manages to
convey the utter grief that he feels. Frodo and Gandalfs frightened and
ineffective efforts to make him see the truth are very good, and I liked
that Merrys despair and delusion are the fault of the Shadow. I liked
Gandalf rushing to fetch Pippin as the best way to make Merry understand
that Pippin lives still, leaving Frodo feeling very out of his depth trying
to cope with Merry's all consuming grief.

Cutting to Pippin as he stands guard and tries to occupy his mind is nice,
as we know what is going on elsewhere and are anticipating Gandalfs arrival.
This is a sort of lull before an explosion of noise and activity, if that
makes any sense. Pippin is having his own dark thoughts here, and is dealing
with a loss of his own, that of his ability to enjoy his musical gifts. I
really liked that when Gandalf bursts in, Pippin reflexively draws his sword
and moves in front of Aragorn without realising it.

The description of Pippins growing horror as they rush to Merrys room is
good, and so are his attempts to reassure and comfort Merry. Finally, the
only way that he can do so is to sing, and in his willingness to do anything
he can to help his cousin he regains his pleasure and ability to make music.
The description of Pippin and Gandalf singing a Shire song in harmony is
lovely!

-----------------------------------
Title: Not So Long a Time Author: Gravity Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Fourth Age ID: 815
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 21:28:25
A very bittersweet story! It is true, 8 years is not so long a time, except
at the beginning and most especially at the end. My heart aches for Pippin
here, left alone without his Merry, not knowing if it will be years before
they are reunited. There are some very lovely moments in this tale. Well
done, but very sad!
-----------------------------------
Title: When Last We Met Author: Nickey Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette ID: 1005
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan 2005-09-27 21:34:10
Now this is a joy! Merry and Gimli feeling each other out at Rivendell,
having encountered each other once before in the Shire! I love the way the
story gives weight to Merry's fears and the birth of the conspiracy, and I
love, too, the way that Gimli is shown -- as a canny dwarf, but with a sense
of humor. To think of him chasing a wild goose all over the Farthings made
me smile, but it was the last line that made me laugh out loud.

Thank you!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Chance Conversation Author: Songspinner Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Vignette ID: 804
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan 2005-09-27 21:40:05
This is a lovely vignette. The conversation about Bilbo's long-ago adventure
had me smiling.
-----------------------------------
Title: Leaves and Stones Author: Starlight Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette ID: 522
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan 2005-09-27 21:45:32
The course of true friendship doesn't always run true, but it runs right in
the end in this short piece. Gimli and Legolas both show to good advantage
here.
-----------------------------------
Title: Caught Between a Hammer and an Anvil Author: BookHobbit Genres:
Drama (includes Angst): War of the Ring ID: 814
Reviewer: Marigold 2005-09-27 21:47:29
It was really exciting to see this scene from the film through the eyes two
of the characters. It is one thing to watch the scene, it is another to read
the thoughts and motivations of the characters and see into their heads.
First we have Merrys pov, as he and Pippin watch each others backs as they
fight, and then the author switches to Pippins.

Pippins thoughts as he battles the troll are just about my favourite part of
this story. As he fights with Merry to avenge Frodo, the litany playing over
and over in his mind mind, Frodo dead spear troll Frodo dead spear troll, is
just what I would expect from someone of his youth and inexperience who has
been placed in such a horrific, mind-numbing situation. Then he loses Merry
as well, and the litany changes to Frodo dead spear troll Merry dead floor
troll over and over in desperation, as if his repeating the horrible events
in this way will somehow keep him from losing his control. And he bravely
goes on to avenge both of his cousins despite his numb grief, with the help
of Legolas. That he felt that there was no point in rising from where he had
fallen because he had lost Merry and Frodo was just perfect.

Very exciting story!

-----------------------------------
Title: The Protector Author: Holdur Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Pre-War
of the Ring ID: 1223
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan 2005-09-27 21:49:14
Gandalf, a visit to Bag End, a very young Pippin and a thunderstorm combine
in this fluffy vignette to bring a smile to any reader's day. Although I do
wonder where Gandalf might have learned that lullaby!
-----------------------------------
Title: Love Sweet As Poison Author: Dwimordene Genres: Romance ID: 694
Reviewer: Marta 2005-09-27 23:05:56
You know, in one of her author reviews for me Dwim said that I didn't
usually write dark. I could (and will, reviewing time permitting) say that
she does just the opposite. Many of Dwim's pieces might appear heavy, but
she handles it so well, weaving the strands together in an expert way. I
mention this, because her Finduilas especially and to an extent Denethor are
so different from mine. This is Finduilas in the depths of despair. But
keeping that difference in mind, Dwim does a first-class job of making
Finduilas internally and canonically consistent.

Besides that, she uses a scenario that I don't think I've ever seen written
about: Ecthelion's death. Her description of Ecthelion seemed to fit both
what Tolkien tells us about him in HoME and the Appendices, and what I
personally imagine given what we know about Denethor's character. He is
cutting when he has Denethor apologise to Finduilas, but he also has a soft
underbelly (of sorts) that Finduilas latches onto.

And may I just say that the "erotic" scene was about the most effectively
used such scene not only that I have ever seen done, but that I can imagine?
Simply brilliant.

But what truly blew me away was the ending. It would have been so easy for
Dwim to give us a "happily ever after" where D&F are reduced to their
breaking point -- and then move on to a resolution. What Dwim does
instead... well, I don't want to ruin it, but I do want to say it blew me
away. I would recommend this to every fan of Gondor, but it's not for
everyone. It's for those of us who want to think deep and dark throughts
about the depravity humans are capable of, whether we prefer Gondorians or
not.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mering Market Author: Dwimordene Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Gondor ID: 238
Reviewer: Marta 2005-09-27 23:08:43
It's always great to see Denethor letting his hair down. Yet Thorongil's
comments kept it from descending into pure comedy, and the presence of
Theoden (and Thorongil's concern over whether he would dishonour Rohan) was
a nice touch as well. All in all a very interesting (and surprisingly
light-hearted) read.
-----------------------------------


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]