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Title: Hidden on the Mountain · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 945
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-09-11 18:46:27
I love that this story is told from the point of view of the White Tree
seedling. It's such an unusual perspective. I had never before thought
of the trees' sentience and ability to remain dormant until the proper
time arose, although retrospectively (and upon further reading) I think
it is a valid interpretation. There really is so little written about
the seedlings and much is from the time of Isildur - and certainly that
seedling did plenty of travelling and growing only at the proper time.

Although it's drawing a bit on conjecture, it made sense to me that
Gandalf hides away the seedling, in hope for the future of Middle-earth.
He struggled against the darkness for so long, having to deal with a
mortal form and its limitations, always working quietly and
unobstrusively to bring about Sauron's downfall. I find it unsurprising
that he had the foresight of impending doom (to the King's line) and
hope of the King's eventual return, and thus preserved the White Tree
against both - although of course that is a personal interpretation.

I like the connections drawn between Gandalf and Aragorn, using
repetitive structure to link the two time periods via their voices and
hands. I can read so much into this, without feeling that the work
crowded or rushed - which to me is the mark of an excellent drabble!
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Title: Beware the Sea · Author: Marta · Races: Elves: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 404
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-09-11 19:07:57
A beautiful sextet of drabbles about the effects of sea-longing from the
viewpoints of those effected. One expects Legolas to be in the group,
and his drabble is superb, but the lives of others are also captured in
the ficlets - Elrond, Sam, Maglor, Aldarion, and an unnamed Elf of
Alqualonde. Each drabble takes a different tack, depending on the lives,
character and circumstance of its narrator.

The drabbles dealing with Maglor, Aldarion, Legolas and Elrond stand
out, but all are poignant and evocative, and make the reader wonder what
effect the sea had on Tolkien himself.
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Title: The White City: Guardians of Gondor · Author: fael_bain · Genres:
Drama · ID: 745
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-11 22:05:52
I found the idea of Elrohir playing this sort of role at the court of
Elessar implausible.
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Title: Oasis · Author: Radbooks · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 259
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-09-11 22:07:13
Gritty, evocative vignette of a difficult time during Aragorn's southern
journeys. It is a shame that Tolkien did so little to fill in the gaps
in Aragorn's career, but that just makes more fodder for fanfic writers,
and this is a fascinating glimpse into those days, when Aragorn was
neither an Elf-lord's fosterling nor a Steward's favorite, nor the
Chieftain of the Dunedain, but a lonely wanderer through hostile lands.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Arrow · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 958
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-11 22:19:20
A very interesting little story of how Legolas might feel if he thought
he had accidentally killed another Elf with his arrow. The author made
the scenario seem realistic, and Aragorn's faith in Legolas was well-placed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fairy Tales of Middle-Earth · Author: DrummerWench · Genres:
Drama · ID: 261
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-11 22:21:58
These are excellent stories, each one capturing the real feel of a
genuine fairy-tale. It's not hard to place the real-world stories
inspiring them, but the author puts a distinctly Middle-earth twist to
each little tale. My favorite one so far is ["The Wooden Boy"].
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Title: A Message and a Bottle · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 89
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-11 22:29:58
The idea that somehow, someway, Frodo's loved ones might find a way to
communicate with him over the sea, and he communicate with them in
return, is very appealing to most of us. The author makes a charming
case for a message written by his friends and tossed into the Brandywine
in a wine bottle making its way to Tol Erresea and back. Pippin is just
wonderful in this story. A very happy story, in its own way.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Acceptable Sacrifice · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 775
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-11 23:05:17
This story of Frodo, from his waking at Cormallen to his taking ship at
the Grey Havens, and how he finally made the decision to sail. The story
is insightful into the stress and trauma Frodo suffered, and the reasons
he felt unable to remain. It is quite clear that he suffers PTSD, as
well as some physical ailments due to the Quest.

There are a good many references to other stories by this author, but
not enough to mar the enjoyment of this by someone unfamiliar. She has
some lovely and particularly strong OCs, who can stand toe to toe with
canon characters.

I especially love the way her Frodo, while suffering and physically
weak, remains strong when it comes to those he loves and cares about
the most. When necessary he will put his own grief aside to deal with
the troubles of those dearest to him.

A very good read.
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Title: We Don't Say Goodbye · Author: iorhael · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 968
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-11 23:13:51
Sam's reunion with Frodo on the Blessed Isle is not quite what he
expects. The author's idea of how his healing took place is rather unique.
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Title: In Sequent Toil · Author: IgnobleBard · Genres: Adventure · ID: 941
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-12 22:40:27
I found the premise of this story rather implausible, especially the
idea of Elven assasins. It was rather interesting, however.
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Title: Lesser Ring · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 184
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-12 22:47:08
I absolutely love this story. In it Larner creates a consistent and
plausible society for Harad, one based on ancient Egypt, which I find
very appropriate, as JRRT himself said he used Egyptian elements in
creating Numenor. Aragorn's two visits--one made years before, and then
another made after he became King--are both filled with adventure and
intrigue, as he meets Haradrim both noble and villainous.

I have to say, my favorite part is during the second visit, when he
returns as the King of Gondor to a land which has been freed of Sauron's
domination. Yet Sauron's legacy of evil lives on, and he must deal with
the aftermath. I especially like Pippin's actions in this part of the
story--he remains very much a hobbit, and yet very much a "King's man"
as well. He's a very dashing small hero!

And, as with all of Larner's stories, whether they take place pre- or
post- Grey Havens, it is all about Frodo in the end. It's a wonderful
and well-executed piece of imagination!
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Title: Good Neighbors · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 818
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-12 22:49:43
This author is one of three Elf writers whose work I mightily enjoy, and
her conception of Legolas has very greatly colored my own. In this
story, the Elves of Mirkwood must learn how to deal with the Men of
Laketown. Young Legolas is caught in the middle of a bit of intrigue. A
very insightful and enjoyable read.
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Title: The Lost · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 181
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-09-13 00:19:03
A great squel to Noble Jewel. At first I was angry at Faramir for not
accepting Brand at once. His seemingly cold reaction left me bewildered.
But then I thought about the time frame of the story. This plays before
Faramir is married. So his grief at the loss of Boromir is still fresh.
Then, Brand is in the care of Andrahar, and Faramir's relationship with
Andrahar is strained because of Boromir. But I think the biggest thing
is, he feels cornered. Imrahil and Andrahar have decided that Brand is
Boromir's son, and Faramir has no say in it. Not that he would disagree
once he sees the boy. But he probably feels pushed around and not taken
seriously. Poor Brand is on the receiving end of Faramir's emotions, and
he reacts understandably cold and threatened. Luckily for both, they
come to a better understanding in the course of the tale and at the end
Faramir is reconciled with Brand's existance and a new friendship starts.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Dancing Master · Author: Flick · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 323
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-09-13 00:19:39
This is a beautiful little story. A tender moment between Faramir and
Eowyn on their wedding day. I love the idea that Boromir taught both of
them to dance. Very clever idea of him to explain to Eowyn that dancing
would help in practicing for swordplay ;-).
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Title: That Which Remains Us · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 749
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-09-13 00:20:29
In this reflective, pensive piece Faramir learns a new side of his
father he didn't expect when going through his father's effects. I love
the language in this story and although poetry usually doesn't speak to
me, the bits and pieces of Denethor's efforts are heartbreaking. They
tell so much and at the same time so little about the man Denethor was,
aside from the public face.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Healer and the Warrior · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 140
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-09-13 00:21:22
This is the story of the first encounter between an anonymous healer and
an equally anonymous warrior who give their real names in the last
exchange of the story. Throughout the story the reader gets enough clues
to figure out for herself who the protagonists are. The warrior wants
some healing supplies for his wound, and the healer insists on treating
the wound immediately herself. The story draws its charm out of the
clash of unexpected wills between the two main characters. They both
have their preconceived notions of what they want and are surprised that
they meet, to their mind, irrational resistance. The sparks fly and at
the end, when they part, they are secretly relieved that they will never
meet again, or not?

The characters are well developed and it is fun for the reader to
examine all their remarks with their identities in mind, which the
characters dont realize themselves until the end, where it is just a
confirmation for the reader. The well-written dialogue is priceless and
characteristic for each protagonist.
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Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-09-13 00:22:20
Boromir is ordered to rest and save his strength before the quest in
beautiful Imladris. He is bored out of his mind and quite insulted by
the perceived opinion of the elves of him being a clumsy child compared
to them. So, one day he is challenging a pretty elf not knowing who it
is to a bout of swordpractice. Being soundly defeated again and again,
he nevertheless never gives up and earns the respect of said warrior. I
like it that both elves and man have to adjust their prejudices. Boromir
learns never to underestimate pretty elves and his opponent learns new
respect for the endurance and stubborn pride of the man.
-----------------------------------
Title: For a cause, a friend, a loved one · Author: Werecat · Genres:
Humor · ID: 120
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-13 01:34:08
No one writes the animals of MiddleEarth as sensitively and beautifully
as Werecat. In this small tale of Rohan, each of the creatures speaks
and acts in character--the sensible owl, the timid mice, the aloof cat,
the noble horse. The horse recognizes that he isn't the only warrior in
the barn--he and the cat will both fight to defend their homes from
evil. He doesn't believe for a minute that she is going to flee, despite
her scornful words.
The quote from "Babylon 5" took me by surprise in a Tolkien fanfic, but
it worked well. This is an amusing and original ficlet; thanks for
sharing it.
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Title: Bilbo's Nursery Rhyme for Merry and Pippin · Author: Llinos ·
Races: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 882
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-13 02:02:12
Bilbo liked to write verse so Llinos has him write a nonsense poem for
his young relations. I liked the device of bolding the words that Pippin
would shout along, and I can imagine the two little hobbits bouncing up
in down in time to the rhythm and laughing at the silliness of the fish
with the piecrust hat. A funny and sweet verse!
-----------------------------------
Title: Red River · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 82
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-09-13 06:21:41
This is such a marvelous story, full of many layers that end up leaving
me hungry for more details even as it answers some about current
politics in the Fourth Age. I would dearly love to see the initial
meeting between Raksandhar and Faramir; it seems to echo the start of
another friendship in the author's "Possessions."

I had found out from the author that Faramir's summer house is placed
near Henneth Annun, and it is this pool and waterfall that is seen at
the start of the story. Although not specified within the writing
itself, this extra tidbit deepened my appreciation of how much progress
has taken place between once-warring nations: the secret Ranger hideout
is now publicly displayed, and a Haradrim lord - his kinsmen once
ambushed and killed under the leadership of the then-Captain, now Prince
- is standing in peace with the returned King of Gondor.

From there, of course, we find out that the situation is not as rosy as
it initially seems. In fine entrenched political fashion, Gondor is
oppressing the conquered people in Harad to the point of potentially
creating civil war. I was a bit frustrated with Aragorn's apparent
unwillingness to more strongly confront his council to achieve the
desired tax reliefs. After so long, it feels like Gondor's bitterness is
only feeding on itself, making it a mockery of the glorious nation it
styles itself and the vision of healing that Aragorn proclaimed.

Faramir's subtlety and (dare I say it?) manipulative skill are on fine
display here. And of course I loved the ever-present presence of chess
in Altariel's writing. I thought Raksandhar was a brilliantly
fleshed-out and sympathetic OC. I especially loved his father's tale
from the POV of the enemy and his own reference - even after all these
years - to ["God the Giver of Gifts"]. Even though Raksandhar is on "the
other side" I was very sad that Faramir and Aragorn could not find a way
to help this very conscientious young man. (Thank goodness that Isabeau
came to his rescue!)
-----------------------------------
Title: Half a Sticky Mile · Author: SlightlyTookish · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 940
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-13 18:54:40
This is a nice gap-filler for the time that Merry and Pippin spent in
Isenguard that they didn't tell the others about in the book.

The description of the huorns leaving was nicely creepy, and the
encounter with the orcish men was frightening. I loved the way the
hobbits used the skills they knew they were good at to slow them down.
Pippin with the swords was a great touch.

Truly an exciting and fun read.
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Title: By The Light of Earendil's Star · Author: Branwyn · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 83
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-13 21:00:46
Now, it *has* to be really something to get me to like Denethor, whom I
have loathed for thirty-nine years! Again, I have to thank the MEFAs for
finding this tale for me--very high quality consistent writing,
suspenseful, a delightful OC in Eldahil--and I didn't even mind the lack
of hobbits! It was rather graphic in the violence, but nothing that did
not seem called for by the plot. An excellent read!
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Title: Dust On My Saddle · Author: Rous · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 630
Reviewer: LydiaB · 2006-09-13 21:11:44
I remember this drabble from when I entered my first ever drabble
challenge. I read it and thought, how am I ever going to manage to write
one as good as that? In fact, I don't think I even reviewed it at the
time because I could think of nothing intelligent to say. Well, I don't
know if this review is doing it justice, but I'm trying. The idea of
combining Tolkien with a Western was inspired to begin with, but not an
easy thing to pull off. However, your vocabulary choices were superb and
evoked the genre perfectly. Every line made me smile, and when I
realized who it referred to I smiled even more. I'm so glad that I got
to read it again.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fire and Flowering · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-09-13 23:48:26
I am not a fan of erotic fiction at all,nor of Faramir and Eowyn
romances.Eowyn's sudden switch of affections never quite convinces me.
However,these ficlets are so tastefully written, it is impossible not to
like them.
I especially enjoyed Faramir's determination to wait until Eowyn was
ready to respond to his advances.What a perfect gentleman ! The reader
shares his surprise and delight when his fiance responds with such
eagerness to his kisses.

Eowyn's expressed desire to make a garden is given new meaning when the
young husband and wife find other ways of spending their time than
gardening !

These ficlets represent an inner journey to Faramir as fire can now be
associated with conceiving a beloved child rather than this rather
trying to take his life. The writer explores the different meanings of
fire well.

Eowyn's fear that Faramir no longer finds her attractive is touching
when they resume their martial intimacies after the birth of their first
child. However, her extra curves only make her more beautiful in his eyes.

I think my favourite of these ficlets is the last one, where Faramir and
Eowyn steal a kiss under the holly to the bewilderment of their children
who are very relieved that the yule custom is somthing only adults observe !
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeker of Shadow · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Fixed-length ficlet · ID: 63
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-09-13 23:55:01
A touching glimpse of a mysterious chapter of the FIrst Age Aredhel
rides out and meets the man who will set in motion her own doom and that
of her people. What powerful force drew the maiden from the safety of
her home? Did she lover her husband or was the marriage a forced union?
Eel thinks he can give Aredhel what she seeks. How tragic that it will
destroy her in the end.
-----------------------------------