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Msg# 7531

Reviews for 29 October - part 1 Posted by Rhapsody October 29, 2006 - 16:33:46 Topic ID# 7531
Title: defining a circle shape through points ˇ Author: Dana ˇ Races:
Hobbits: Merry & Pippin ˇ ID: 569
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-14 23:54:42
I like the bit back in Crickhollow the best. I am left with the
impression that they will be happy together here, beyond all doubt and
fear at last.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pride Goeth... ˇ Author: Marigold ˇ Races: Cross-Cultural: With
Hobbits ˇ ID: 936
Reviewer: Garnet Took ˇ 2006-10-14 23:57:59
Boromis deserved that little lecture. It shows just how much he liked
and came to respect the hobbits that he listened to them when he had
only had prideful words for Elrond when he corrected him for blowing
that horn.

This story is humorous, but also very serious in its own way. A nice
blending of the two. Great job.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elfwine ˇ Author: annmarwalk ˇ Genres: Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet
ˇ ID: 70
Reviewer: EdorasLass ˇ 2006-10-14 23:59:57
This is so very Eomer - refusing to leave, though it's not entirely
proper for him to be present during the birth; shouting loud enough to
wake Edoras with his joy; hiding nothing of his happiness and sharing
every bit of it with everyone in the city. I can just picture the big,
broad, beaming smile on his face. Perfectly adorable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Come and Catch Me ˇ Author: storyfish ˇ Races: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin ˇ ID: 236
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 00:05:06
This is a gripping description of what Merry suffered under the
influence of the Shadow. That Pippin was not at his side enabled the
Shadow to take a grim and almost fatal hold, and at the last it is only
Pippin that is able to call Merry back. I like this story very much.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Spring Day At Cormallen ˇ Author: Marigold ˇ Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits ˇ ID: 746
Reviewer: Garnet Took ˇ 2006-10-15 00:09:16
This is a very sweet glimps into the love that Aragorn has for Pippin.

The idea of the hobbits constructing a kite for the yougest one of them
is a clever, new idea.

I especially like it that Aragorn is thinking about Pippin instead of
Frodo for a change. In a way, I ge the feeling that Aragorn realizes
that Frodo represents the past, the ages of the Elves and the war, while
Pippin represents the promise of the new age that is just beginning.
-----------------------------------
Title: Benison ˇ Author: annmarwalk ˇ Genres: Drama: Remembering ˇ ID: 67
Reviewer: EdorasLass ˇ 2006-10-15 00:11:51
Another lovely story in which an every day possession bridges the gap
between past and present; this time, Finduilas' sewing basket in Eowyn's
hands.

It's very true; likely neither Faramir nor Eowyn have more than the
faintest memories of their mothers. Watching Eowyn go through the basket
with such respect and curiosity is both touching and a bit melancholy,
as well - Eowyn draws her own conclusions as to what type of person (and
mother) Finduilas was from the little daybook, but will never be able to
have those conclusions confirmed. Yet there's also a hopefulness here
that I can't quite articulate; perhaps it's that Eowyn feels such a
connection with a woman she's never met by reading bits and pieces of
Finduilas' life and finds a kinship with her through those writings.
Perhaps it's that I think Eowyn is also somehow connecting with her own
mother during the process.

I would wonder how Faramir might respond to seeing that basket.
-----------------------------------
Title: For the Moon to Lead, and All the Stars to Follow ˇ Author:
annmarwalk ˇ Genres: Romance: Gondor ˇ ID: 200
Reviewer: EdorasLass ˇ 2006-10-15 00:22:25
This is one of my very very favourite drabbles ever, of yours or
otherwise. There's so much history hinted at in so few words: the
nameless woman thinking on her past with Denethor makes me want to know
more about that relationship. The way she remembers her past while
watching Boromir is at once moving and bittersweet; it gives the
impression that she isn't really seeing Boromir himself, but the ghost
of his father.

Boromir's attitude toward her is wonderful, and speaks volumes of his
gracious nature, a side of him we often don't get to see. He asks her to
dance though he knows she'll refuse, and his delight when she does
accept is just lovely and heartwarming. A perfectly lovely and dignified
OFC, whom I find very intriguing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aglarond ˇ Author: annmarwalk ˇ Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet ˇ ID: 68
Reviewer: EdorasLass ˇ 2006-10-15 00:31:11
This is so very Dwarven I can practically hear the ringing of the
hammers. I love the image of Gimli working in Aglarond, with greatest
reverence and patience creating art from what so many would consider
heartless stone. And his motivation (at least here) being Galadriel is
wonderful as well - an Elf inspiring the creation of such beauty in a
Dwarf is a lovely idea, and one that I'm sure would surprise a great
many people of both races, and Men as well.


-----------------------------------
Title: The Silent Street ˇ Author: Sophinisba Solis ˇ Races: Hobbits:
Merry & Pippin ˇ ID: 65
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 00:56:00
This is an incredible story. The beginning has an exchange between
Pippin and Merry that had me laughing aloud, for I had often thought it:

["Really, Merry, one of the loveliest ladies either of us has ever seen,
and you at her side for every instant, and you mean to tell me you
didn't even notice that she wasn't a man?"

"She was wearing a helmet," Merry muttered, thinking that for all that
it was true the story had an air of implausibility about it.

"Yes, which of course would have kept you from noticing she had breasts
as you rode on the same bloody horse with her for five days." And Pippin
took a disdainful puff on his pipe.]

But the story quickly becomes more serious. I liked very much Merrys
realisation that Pippin was subtly different, had passed through a
change in himself, for the very first without Merrys help, a thought
that leaves him unsettled. They both need to come to terms with this
change and this need is recurrent in the story.

Pippins thought that Merry [always was one to insist on understanding
everything that happened. He'd not be kept in the dark, not ever. And
Pippin shook his head, thinking how naďve it had been of Frodo ever to
think he could leave the Shire without Merry finding out.] is so true to
Merrys character as I see him.

The part taking place in Rath Dínen was spellbinding. Just exactly
*where* Merry was in his mind when Pippin found him wandering was not
something that I had considered, and this is a superb explanation.

The author has a marvelous grasp of these two, and writes them
wonderfully, both as individuals, and importantly, as hobbits. That she
understands hobbits so well is what makes this story so incredible.



-----------------------------------
Title: Today ˇ Author: annmarwalk ˇ Genres: Romance: Rohan ˇ ID: 199
Reviewer: EdorasLass ˇ 2006-10-15 00:58:40
Mmmm, this is so warm and sensual. It's also a lovely example of what
you do best - wonderful detail that deftly evokes emotion and image in a
handful of words. The images of Theodred and Boromir together are
subtlely drawn, leaving much of the physicality to the imagination, but
leaving no doubt as to what's happening.

It's clear that Boromir is an old and welcome friend to Rohan; there is
also no doubt that he and Theodred are truly attached to one another,
rather than just keeping each other company. Theodred's nervousness at
seeing Boromir approach; the scene in the bathhouse, with Theodred
closely examining Boromir's body for new scars; Boromir's ease and
obvious pleasure at being in Rohan with Theodred all speak of a great
deal going on below what we are actually shown.

The end is, of course, rather wrenching. Theodred's though of [He will
not tell her what he knows: that there is no future for him or his
lover; that death waits, catlike, watching their every breath] is
painfully fatalistic, yet at the same time, wholly realistic. A
wonderful portrayal of two like-minded warriors finding joy with one
another.
-----------------------------------
Title: At Crickhollow ˇ Author: Dreamflower ˇ Races: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin ˇ ID: 241
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:06:37
A very comfortable image of the two settling into Crickhollow, with good
food, music, some quiet talk, and of course each other.

Loved that Pippin called that particular cat Haldir!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Taste of Diplomacy ˇ Author: Thevina Finduilas ˇ Races:
Cross-Cultural ˇ ID: 939
Reviewer: Dreamflower ˇ 2006-10-15 01:14:00
It was very interesting to read a story of a young Denethor--indeed, I
don't believe I've ever come across one before! The author used hints
from canon, about Denethor's far-sightedness, and also about his
personality being much like his son Faramir's, to construct his early
character. It was nice to see him before loss, grief and the palantir
embittered him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River ˇ Author: Acacea ˇ Races: Men: Gondor ˇ ID: 513
Reviewer: Dreamflower ˇ 2006-10-15 01:24:11
Beautifully poignant and lyrical as Faramir muses upon the river Anduin,
and what it has meant to him and the lessons it has taught him over the
course of his life. I love the way his mother's presence hovers over all.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bilbo's Nursery Rhyme for Merry and Pippin ˇ Author: Llinos ˇ
Races: Hobbits: Poetry ˇ ID: 882
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:27:28
Another poem/song by Llinos that is just exactly right! She writes this
time as Bilbo, who has written this song for little Merry and baby
Pippin. This is one of my particular favourites, that I have printed out
and often reread, and it is very hobbity, exactly the sort of song that
merry, indulgent Bilbo would have made to amuse these two dear young
cousins.

The images invoked couldnt fail to delight little hobbits, and they
must have been incredibly chuffed and puffed to have a song featuring
themselves. I think that over their lives they must have had a multitude
of songs written about them (Llinos has written a few of these), songs
about their brave deeds, but this one was probably always dearest to
their hearts, written as it was at such a happy time in their lives. I
can just see them by the fire in Bag End, Bilbo bouncing Pippin upon a
knee with Merry leaning on the other while they (for I cant imagine
Merry being silent!) call out the special words!

The poem is technically very impressive too, with a wonderful cadence
that has me tapping my feet every time that I read it. I absolutely love
this hobbity little gem!

-----------------------------------
Title: Peace Comes Dropping Slow ˇ Author: Songspinner ˇ Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens ˇ ID: 224
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:31:54
Oh, so sad, but filled with such love!
-----------------------------------
Title: Boats To Build ˇ Author: Nancy Brooke ˇ Times: Late Third Age ˇ
ID: 300
Reviewer: Dreamflower ˇ 2006-10-15 01:37:14
It always amazes me when someone takes a character who is little more
than a name in the Appendices, and turns him or her into a real person.
That is what this author did with Adrahil in this lovely story. Very
well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: On the Way Home ˇ Author: Citrine ˇ Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens ˇ ID: 649
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:40:03
This is beautiful story, and it struck me as a very hobbity one, with
the three of them talking and taking comfort in one another. Each one
able to rely on the others who understand will help their sadness
eventually fade at least a little.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Whisper From Across the Sea ˇ Author: Gryffinjack ˇ Races:
Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens ˇ ID: 223
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:43:13
A lovely thought, that Frodo could comfort the ones he loves best from
across the Sea. I liked too that those left behind in the Shire would
always look out for one another.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tending ˇ Author: Elemmire ˇ Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens ˇ
ID: 769
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:47:14
It is a beautiful thought that Primula and Drogo's grave will always be
tended. I can see one of Merry's children one day taking up the task,
and so on, through the years, long even after it is forgotten why. And I
am sure that somehow, Frodo knows.
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry's Magnificent Yule ˇ Author: Marigold ˇ Genres: Humor: The
Shire ˇ ID: 211
Reviewer: Marta ˇ 2006-10-15 01:48:56
Poor Merry! I can see this happening, and both cousins are drawn with a
really light touch that makes this a really entertaining read. Nice
portrait, Mari.
-----------------------------------
Title: By Any Other Name ˇ Author: GamgeeFest ˇ Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens ˇ ID: 960
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 01:54:42
An interesting question, with a very plausible answer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of the Rings Limericks, Chapters One and Two ˇ Author:
Llinos ˇ Times: The Great Years: Poetry ˇ ID: 759
Reviewer: Inkling ˇ 2006-10-15 02:02:24
Any fan of limericks should be sure not to miss these verses, full of
wicked humor and clever rhyming, as seen in this snippet:

[Before shouting 'Shadowfax', he
Could try calling a taxi,]

Llinos is adept at taking requests, too, no matter how obscure. Two of
her funniest limericks were inspired by a request for ["The old guy who
shot the first arrow at Helms Deep."]

Im still hoping for more!



-----------------------------------
Title: A song on the air ˇ Author: digdigil ˇ Genres: Alternate Universe
ˇ ID: 317
Reviewer: Dreamflower ˇ 2006-10-15 02:29:16
This is a rather different sort of story. An interesting premise, of
Melian having a second child after the death of Thingol.
-----------------------------------
Title: On The Road Home ˇ Author: Ruby Nye ˇ Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens ˇ ID: 889
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2006-10-15 02:35:03
A beautiful, beautiful story. Filled with grief at Frodos departure, on
their way back to the Shire Sam, Merry, and Pippin struggle to find some
way to cope with and assuage their grief. They have no need of words,
and speak none until they reach home, but anyway words would not
suffice, could bring them no healing of their spirits. Instead they
comfort each other by their proximity, actions, and the giving and
receiving of physical, tangible love.

Each night it is a different one of the three that needs comforting the
most, and the tone is distinct and just right for each hobbit. The slash
descriptions are restrained, and it is instead the reason behind the
giving and receiving that is most important, and what shines through
brilliantly.

This is no PWP, with slash just for the sake of it. This is finding
healing through love of the heart, freely given and gratefully received.
This is a stunning piece, not-to-be-missed whether slash is your cup of
tea or not.

I encourage everyone to read this, it cannot fail to touch you. It will
give you hope that these three can be happy again though Frodo is
forever gone from Middle-earth.

-----------------------------------
Title: Dragons and Sailboats ˇ Author: Acacea ˇ Genres: Drama:
Remembering ˇ ID: 74
Reviewer: Dreamflower ˇ 2006-10-15 02:45:21
A bittersweet conversation between Aragorn and Faramir, about Boromir,
Thorongil, Denethor and Gandalf. It's clear that there is much left
unsaid, with a subtext of old regrets. Very insightful.
-----------------------------------