Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Notes and Observations by Frodo of the Shire · Author: Lurea ·
Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 971
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:30:00
This is an intense and painful recounting of the latter days of the
Quest from Frodo's own POV, first person. The angst is palpable, yet
Frodo continues to hope he can lance his wounds in recounting what
happened in his journal. I think the part that profoundly affected me
most was this part:

["How could I continue to deny it? My strength was beginning to ebb and
I was afraid. I was afraid. I pushed away the fear, with a slow breath
returned to my counted sorrows, and another seven steps closer to the end.

One: I thirst.
Two: I cannot breathe.
Three: I am weary.
Four: the whip marks chafe.
Five: my side is cold.
Six: my neck aches.
Seven: the Ring burns."]

And as he counts, to keep going, the Ring begins to even pervert the
numbers...A wonderful piece of work!

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Title: Prison · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 794
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:32:36
A brief vignette of Eomer's imprisonment at the hands of Grima; I like
the way he suddenly has hope, when he remembers the three strangers he
met on the plains.
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Title: Until the King Returns · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette ·
ID: 540
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:47:27
A very tightly constructed bit of speculation on the motives and
intentions of the first Ruling Steward of Gondor, as he allows the last
of the kings to ride away to certain death. I find it very appropriate
that he begins the rule of the stewards in the same way Denethor ended
it--in the name of expediency. But unlike Denethor, Mardil proves to be
a man of conscience, and he does not try to deceive himself about what
he has done. I like the way canon is woven throughout this small peice.
Excellent job!
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Title: Safe? · Author: Ainu Laire · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or
Sam · ID: 271
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:52:46
Frodo has an important question for Aragorn: is Lothlorien safe enough
to lay aside his mithril coat. Aragorn's answer is influenced by a very
disturbing and evocative dream...a very nice gap-filler.
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Title: The Princess and the Horse Lord · Author: Oshun · Genres:
Romance: Incomplete · ID: 425
Reviewer: Jael · 2006-10-21 02:11:11
The more I read of this story, the more I like it. It is lively, funny,
touching, and erotic all in one. It is a generous-spirited tale about
well-rounded characters who are likeable and love one another. It is
refreshingly original while remaining true to canon.

I agree, a tipsy Legolas singing After The Ball was to die for! And my
Thranduil muse says thank you for the detail about the hot running water
in his cave. He is becoming very tired of being portrayed as the
stereotypical Sinda rustic.

Excellent story!
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Title: Inheritances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 651
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 02:39:19
Aragorn's interior monologue as he greets the infant heir of Denethor.
What a great deal he reads into the actions of an infant! Yet I can see
these thoughts occurring to him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Second Son · Author: Nesta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
· ID: 843
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 02:47:38
Fascinating, that Faramir sees his father and himself in his own
relationship to his second-born. But Faramir is wiser, and less proud,
and able to find compromise, where his own father would have been
unyielding. Young Turin is interesting as well--a budding healer,
perhaps, or a fledgling archeologist, LOL! Very nice!
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Title: The Silent Street · Author: Sophinisba Solis · Races: Hobbits:
Merry & Pippin · ID: 65
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-21 05:58:29
This is a really nice glimpse at the mental torture that Merry must have
felt in the days before the others left for the Black Gate. The language
is exquisite, the emotions are well-drawn, and it all uses some unique
events that I don't think I've ever seen written, certainly in a way I'd
never seen before. There were a few canon bits that made me wonder, like
the way the guard lets the hobbits through without apparently needing
explicit permission from the lord of the city. It's not insurmountable,
though, and certainly not enough to derail this story. Nice job telling
these touching scenes.
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Title: Making Merry · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits · ID: 663
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-21 11:27:13
Oh, I love this little ficlet, halfway reading it I caught myself
tapping my foot once I read about the dancing and whirling of Pippin and
the elves. This is so outstanding in this ficlet: you can feel and taste
the atmosphere of liberation and joy of the Mirkwood Elves while they
are celebrating it with the two Hobbits. In huge contrast brought as a
conclusion in Merrys thoughts, I am as a reader suddenly remembered of
Bilbos cruel treatment by the same elves in darker times. And yet,
there is a seed of hope in this realisation, when Merry reflects on
[Bilbo and his dwarves] separating past from the future. And as the
circle continues dancing, all dark thoughts and memories of old are
forgotten and like Merry, we are back into the circle of friends.

Besides the rich language and vivid descriptions of thoughts and
movements, this story indeed has a feeling of [Magick]. To me it almost
feels as if Marigold describes the elves to the image of Celtic myth
where the elves live in a complete different realm, where cups magically
are replenished, and it is dangerous to remain. Maybe that was the case
in Bilbos time, but this is the Fourth Age: time for renewal and joy.
This story is beautifully written and evocative from the first word to
the last. Thanks for sharing Marigold!
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Title: Not Fair · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Fixed-Length Ficlets
With Children · ID: 902
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-21 11:28:57
I have a friend who swears that Imrahil's surname the Fair means that
he's a blond. I go for the gorgeous option myself, and it's always been
one of my favorite footnotes to the Fourth Age that a dark-haired little
replica of Imrahil ends up ruling the blond Rohirrim. But I'd never seen
any one address the issue until now. Eomer is a good father here, wisely
pointing out that any situation has advantages as well as disadvantages.
A sweet drabble!
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Title: Kindly Winter's Gift · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Genres:
Romance: Rohan · ID: 717
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-21 11:40:30
A nice piece about a young man discovering passion for the first time.
Theodred is such a cipher that you can do almost anything you like with
him, and I like this picture of a young man well aware of his
responsibilities as heir to a ruler, but also fearless in seeking what
he needs for himself in terms of affection. His joining with Staenwine
(in a barn, with horses looking on-how appropriate for Rohirrim!) is
tastefully written, but nonetheless conveys well the fumbling heat of
the moment. And I do like that to both young men, this is not just some
easing of physical need, but also a solemn pledge of love.

Theoden makes a brief appearance as a fond father, pre-Grima, which only
saddens the reader when they think upon his ultimate dissolution. I
would like to see another Theodred story from Thevina, wherein she
addresses Staenwine's and Theodred's response to Theodred's inevitable
marriage, though I know nothing is said of his wife in canon.
-----------------------------------
Title: Object Lessons · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 668
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-21 11:43:44
Faramir seems to be channeling his father here, not missing the chance
to give Boromir a bit of a lecture. He also rather acerbically comments
on his older brother's propensity for showing off. But his support of
Boromir is also very apparent, as is the love between the brothers.
Interestingly enough, Boromir is the silent one in this nice little drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kissing is Different · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 280
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-21 11:51:12
My only complaint regarding this short story is that I want more of
this! First the marvellous insight in Éomers mind finding his reprieve
from the usual female talons clawing at him, taking his opportunity to
see how tanned Lothíriels bosom or offering to help her to learn how to
kiss. How delightfully naughty! I surely would love to see this kind of
Éomer often. But as the story develops, I cannot help to wonder how the
other would react to a sentence or a gesture. Especially when you know
they will be formally introduced later that day. So while I as a reader
cannot stop chuckling at the prospective of what will come next, I am
treated to a magnificent twist at the end which makes me want to re-read
the story again, but then with a different set of eyes. I appreciate the
way how LBJ writes her characters with multiple layers and cleverly
constructs a story in which after you read it again you cannot help but
to laugh harder. What is nicely done too are the descriptions of the
separate court cultures and how much they are different. It leaves me
wondering how Lothíriel will thrive at the Rohirrim court, but something
tells me she will fit right in. The story flows nicely with a natural
pacing: nothing feels forced about it. A wonderful short story LBJ!
-----------------------------------
Title: Paradox of the Fourth Age · Author: Alassante · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 106
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-10-21 12:38:59
Alassante's magnum opus! ;-) I loved the premise of this story when she
first told me about it. I have always enjoyed 'what if's' and this is a
wonderful one. Everything in Tolkien's world is so interconnected and
the final outcome did depend on all the pieces falling into place just
as they did, so that is what makes the premise of this story so
interesting and believable. Alassante has developed it very well with
really powerful emotions and characters. I particularly like the
flashbacks in each chapter because we really get to know the characters
through them. Great story that I hope she keeps working on.
-----------------------------------
Title: My Eyes! My Eyes! · Author: Alassante · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 358
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-10-21 12:40:44
Hehehe! Hilarious look at why Arwen chose a man!
-----------------------------------
Title: Peace Comes Dropping Slow · Author: Songspinner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 224
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-21 13:24:20
This is such an exquisite short story. At first, I have no idea what
Pippin is up to but then Songspinner gently reveals an aged Pippin
taking care of his great love Diamond. I cannot help but to get goose
bumps while I feel a witness to their love they share and that even at
the end Diamond tells Pippin to travel east once more. Pippin's imagery
of Minas Tirith shows the reader that he has not forgotten his love for
the white city. As a reader you know this is to come, you know Pippin
and Merry will find their peace in Rohan and will leave the Shire
forever, but this little poignant insight in this married life is so
brilliantly captured that it leaves a deep impression on me. The gentle
and slow pacing of this piece is well chosen and it needs no further
elaboration because the language of this prose is incredibly strong.
Strongly in character and a beautiful portrayed moment in their later
lives. Thanks for sharing!
-----------------------------------
Title: She Cries Your Name · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 710
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-21 13:35:53
This is a tender and eventually very sensual story. A married couple,
very much in love, on a walking party in the Shire. The beauty of the
day and the beauty of the country side merge with how Frodo sees his
Linwe. Frodo slowly is overcome by the gentle forces of nature and joins
Linwe in her dance with the elements until the life and passion of the
world fills them both and they make love - crying out each other's names.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Squirrels and Stolen Pies · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 305
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-21 13:36:39
Oh my goodness. What is there not to love about this story! I simply
cannot decide what I like the most. Is it Pippins stunned reaction to
get a pie just out of nowhere and that he forgets everything except for
that shortly before he was observing some squirrels? The dialogue
between Pippin and Sandhill is just to die for! Pippin feels rushed and
starts to ramble: yet he does not lie but manages to keep the intrepid
hobbit lads  who hide in the bushes dealing with their own things which
is how to enjoy a pie if you fell on it or how to keep Merry from
jumping out of the thicket  out of it. Pippin is just adorable and with
a big smile on my face, I read how he describes the [slow-witted] hobbit
lad who shoved it in his hands. Because following his logic: who would
possibly do that? All of this is written in the very enjoyable Merrys
point of view who in the end helps Pippin to escape his predicament
where he ended up in. The story end gives you a very satisfied feeling
and a clear image of a content Pippin walking off with his pie, Mr
Sandhill has to explain to his wife where the pies went and Berilac
hopefully learnt his lesson never to shove a pie into Pippins hands
while on the run. This story is delightfully hobbity with such great
humorous dialogue written by GW.
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Title: Such loveliness in living thing · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 904
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-10-21 13:51:55
Tanaqui's drabbles are masterful. Here she deftly captures yet again in
a few words the feelings of a number of characters about Arwen. A model
of the genre.
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Title: Sixteen Singing Eagles · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 678
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-10-21 13:54:05
I got a chuckle out of this. Nicely portrayed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stewardship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 920
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-10-21 13:56:34
My impression on reading this is that Gandalf is choosing Faramir,
Legolas and Sam over Aragorn, Frodo and Gimli. I don't think that is
what you meant, however. Clarification?
-----------------------------------
Title: A Gift of Tears · Author: vladazhael · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 615
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-21 14:07:01
What news can one deliver when a loved one has fallen into battle and
the connection of the fëar already showed the grieving what happened?
Nienán is still wrapped in her anger of her brothers falling and takes
it out on Haldir who lost a friend, but accepted it. Nienán on the other
hand feels abandoned and left alone now that her brother is gone and her
state of mind does not realise that his body is utterly destroyed, his
soul will wait for her in the Halls. This is just such a stunning
portrayal written by you Vlad, how you convey the anger about loosing
someone from your life and how even Nienán in the ends breaks when
Haldir denies her to serve in her brothers stead.

Now that the anger is tamed and will subside, healing can start for her
and for Haldir as well. And as for Haldir, I feel for him when Nienán
thinks she can so easily replace one of his friends. His reaction is
quite understandable and I feel relived that even he can bring comfort
in the end. Besides the family tragedy, which is illustrated here, I
also love the tribute you bring in your own words to the Galadhrim of
which plenty perished while defending Galadriel lands. This is so
strongly written and yet so humanly brought so that the reader can
easily identify with the main characters, but also a great fit in
Tolkien canon. An excellent read!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-21 14:12:09
I found the author's note on this one very interesting because I have a
long-dormant nuzgul about another similarly "spiritual" moment from
Gimli, when he is describing the caves of Aglarond. I hadn't noticed it,
but the author's right, the uttering of so much Kudzul combined with his
description of Kheled-zaram really does have an almost mystical quality
to it.

Here Thevina uses this moment to develop a touching moment between the
dwarf and the elf as Gimli begins to see that maybe the two of them
aren't as different as he once thought. The idea that Legolas might hear
the stones' speech while Gimli could not is rightfully insulting to
Gimli, but I think that insult masks something that will form the basis
for a friendship. As much as I would have liked a conversation between
the two of them, I think this scene is more powerfully, and certain more
dwarven, with things left unsaid. All in all a nice look into the
beginning of this relationship.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bad Day Gone Good · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 229
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-21 14:22:46
Poor Nibs, always just a nib of a hobbit. This story has a lot to say
about the importance of names and nick names and how a person can strive
to be the person he or she wants to be.

Nibs Cotton is still a young hobbit and he wants to shine and be praised
for what he knows are his good qualities. He works hard and always tries
to do his very best. But we all have days when such efforts go awry, and
this was one of those days for Nibs. But all ends well when he is able
to help a traveling Dwarf get his wagon's wheel out of a mud hole. Nibs
learns that Dwarves respect hobbits, have their own special underground
flowers, and that he is a special hobbit after all.

A wonderful story about a canon hobbit we don't hear much about. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: On Frozen shores · Author: ann_arien · Times: First Age and
Prior: Incomplete · ID: 490
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-21 14:27:45
This is a very unique story set in the alternate universe which I love
since it starts out with such a clear and evocative setting.

[A gust of frozen air and the shuffling of fabric woke Nolofinwë from
his restless sleep. Sore and numb, he moved beneath the blankets that
had barely warmed him, the recollection of the dreadful place they were
in hitting him with the strength of a fist]

This is just such a lovely bit of narrative which leaves the reader
wondering if the first Kinslaying did happen, to me it feels like those
negotiations were successful, otherwise the author would have left more
clues on that. That is what I love about this piece: the author leaves
that up to the reader to decide. If this is the case, Fëanor feels
perfectly in character to me: being tired of negotiations, getting the
ships, getting the children & his sons on board. I mean what a busy night!

[Fëanáro added immediately, anticipating Nolofinwë's outburst before it
came. "But I would not waste any more time discussing matters with your
idle Council members. Nor would I wait and hear the futile debate on who
could go and who could stay."]

Yeps, that is Fëanor: very pragmatical and wanting to move on.

Ann Arien captures Fingolfin's feeling of being left out of it
incredibly well, but the scene at the end, the two brothers who stand
united and strengthen each other is brilliantly delivered. A great short
story which most certainly leaves the reader wanting more!
-----------------------------------