Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: One Summer's Day · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men · ID: 765
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-12 19:26:33
This short story is such a beautiful gem I discovered this year.
Bodkin's writing moves me deeply with her straightforward storytelling,
showing us exactly what Éowyn, Éomer, and Théodred are going through. In
this story every character has their own distinctive voice and personal
growth. It feels very balanced is told with a graceful pacing and
gentleness which shows in the words without pulling the punches, which
hits the reader directly.

[If that is what you want, little cousin, Theodred vowed steadily,
quailing inside as he acknowledged to himself that skill at arms was no
guarantee of safety, then that is what I will do. But, he added, you
will have to make me a promise, too. You will have to swear to me that
you will never give up  that you will fight always to be the person I
know you can be. Through fire and water, in darkness and despair, you
will hold on, for the sake of those who love you and whom you love. For
Roan.]

This is such a beautiful fragment, which shows so much and left me
wondering how Éowyn will react to Théodred's death later on. This piece
surely gives me as reader an insight how cold and withdrawn she appeared
to be during the Two Towers after Théodred died and she nearly looses
Théoden as well, but with this precious gapfiller you give it so much
depth and it serves as a brilliant backstory at the same time.

This closing lines wrap up the story excellently and it really feels to
me that everyone will be able to move on, not only Éowyn:
[Come on, Eowyn, Theodred told her. Its time for you to let everyone
know that you are back.]

This story is simply a masterpiece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Falcons and Mûmakil · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 97
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-12 20:25:42
Very enjoyable! I like the development of Éomer's and Lothíriel's
relationship in this, and the humour that shines through all the time.
It's also nice to see Éowyn trying to help her brother with her love
life, a side of her we see rarely.

A great Éomer-Lothíriel scenario, and a creative take at their relationship.
-----------------------------------
Title: The White Tree · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 94
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-12 20:50:38
This story is part of a series by Linda Hoyland which is centered on the
relationship between Aragorn and Faramir. While I see certain parts of
Faramir's character and backstory, particularly the nature of his
relationship to Denethor and its consequences for his self-confidence,
in a slightly different way than Linda interprets them, I still enjoy
her stories greatly. They work out very well within the premises she
sets, and they are very gripping and emotional, up to the point of
leaving me in tears. I like to see stories about the friendship of
Aragorn and Faramir that are non-slashy, as I generally prefer stories
in which the canon pairings are conserved. And Linda's stories,
especially read chronologically, show the development of the two
characters' friendship, as well as the development of each character
beautifully.

The same is also true for this story. It describes the finding of the
White Tree and Faramir's reaction to it, which is somewhat different
than expected, as Aragorn is somewhat rash in his actions. This results
in Faramir showing a side of himself that comes unexpected for Aragorn
as well as for Faramir himself, and this in turn leads to Aragorn
starting to break the ice in the relationship of the two.

The symbolism of the White Tree and what it means for Faramir is
captured beautifully, as well as his loyalty to Gondor and the King. All
in all, the story has many layers, and readers should also read its
prequels and sequels in order to get the full picture of the characters'
motivations and development.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 20:58:15
How understandable that a Gondorian would assume Eomer was admiring the
horse and not its rider. I'm glad Faramir realized his mistake before
Lothiriel overheard their conversation, though! A very cute story; it
made me smile.
-----------------------------------
Title: Finding the Right Words · Author: Nienor Niniel · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 785
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-12 21:21:56
It's so fitting that Faramir would obsess over just what he would say on
htis occasion, very in-character for him. And what you did with that
moment was an affective piece of healing. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-12 21:27:20
This is a very interesting premise, which I had not seen before. Usually
it is more attributed to Faramir to have visions of the King's return,
but of course it makes sense for Aragorn to have these visions, too.

The scenario also shows quite clearly what is often forgotten: had
Denethor survived or had Faramir not handed over power so willingly,
what would have happened to Gondor? What would have happened to Aragorn
and Arwen? This underlying question makes Aragorn's repeated encounters
which men who could be the one from his dream, but aren't, all the more
meaningful.

It is great to see this scene interpreted not only as the fulfillment of
Faramir's hopes, but also as very important for Aragorn. This fic
actually made me think about this aspect of the two men's relationship
more than I had considered it before, and it adds a certain balance to
the relationship.

The ending gives a feeling of closure and fulfillment, even though at
this point Aragorn does not know if his dream may ever come to pass. But
this fits with what Tolkien does in the books: characters often are
aware of the larger scheme of things, of prophecies and of premonitions,
while at the same time their conflicts stay real and threatening to them.

Definitely a recommendable story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Reconciliation · Author: Willow_41z · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 802
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-12 21:59:10
This story follows one of the possible premises for Éomer-Lothíriel
stories: that their marriage was an arranged one and that the two only
come to love each other after a while. However, it also is different
from most stories with this premise that I've seen: while in many fics,
the both main characters often find together at or shortly after the
wedding, Willow_41z lets the development be very gradual and take a lot
more time. This allows a quite detailed development of the characters
and their relationship and prevents the story from ever becoming
clichéd. On the contrary, both characters and their motivations are
shaped carefully, and the reader can relate to them very well. The same
goes for the original characters, who are very well characterised and
three-dimensional.

We get a good feeling of how serious Éomer takes his office and the
responsibility he has for his people, and we also see Lothíriel growing
from despair and self-pity to confidently accepting and filling her role
as a queen. This includes carrying through new ideas, dealing with
people who do not accept her as queen as well as dealing with quite evil
characters. Especially Lothíriel's development as a person makes this
story an enjoyable read

This story is not finished yet, and I'm looking forward very much to see
it develop further.
-----------------------------------
Title: Appearances Can Be Deceiving · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 760
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 21:59:22
This is the absolute best part of the MEFAs: finding stories you would
not have otherwise discovered. This one had me smiling from beginning to
end. I love how you've drawn together so many elements in the canon
timeline here - Bilbo's trip to the Lonely Mountain, his return to
Rivendell, Aragorn's secret mission for Gandalf, Bilbo's previous trip
to Rivendell in "The Hobbit." I't's wonderful seeing how adventurous
Bilbo still is at his age - he seems a little long in the tooth to be
out camping for two weeks, but Tolkien did say he went all the way to
Lonely Mountain, didn't he?

I was already enjoying Bilbo's journey, but my pulse really started
racing when he spotted the scruffy looking and limping stranger and,
assuming he was a ruffian, decided to follow him. Of course you let us
guess the stranger's identity, so it relieved me greatly when Bilbo ran
into Elladan, Elrohir, and Glorfindel before something really bad
happened. Great touch with the snippets of Sindarin Bilbo was able to
catch (which he did not understand the significance of but we did -
hee), and I loved how Elladan and Elrohir knew instantly from the
description of Bilbo's ruffian who it really was, and bolted without a
word. And later, when Bilbo finally met cleaned up and rested Aragorn,
It gave me goosebumps when Aragorn announced his name and Bilbo
instantly grasped the significance of it, learned hobbit that he is, and
looked to Elrond for confirmation. What a perfect way to conclude the
story by revealing that this meeting was how Bilbo came to write his
famous verse. I'm so glad I found this story, Dreamflower.
-----------------------------------
Title: On the Fair Hill · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 946
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 22:05:38
What a beautiful drabble, Imhiriel. It seems like this must have been
the most perfect day in all of Arda. Very understated, elegant, and
timeless.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 22:23:53
I absolutely love Aragorn's deadpan replies to Boromir's excited
demonstrations of Thorongil's trademark moves, with Gandalf's stifled
snorts as a counterpoint. ["Hmm," Aragorn said. "A mystery."] LOL. Poor
Boromir! I'm glad you let him figure it out before he embarrassed
himself too badly, though that hardly made it easier for him. I felt for
poor Aragorn - still in shock over losing Gandalf, still trying to
adjust to the realization this his own priorities have just changed, and
he's got Boromir goading him to go to Minas Tirith (while reminding him
his father won't be pleased to see Aragorn.) The final scene as Aragorn
stands watch over Boromir's body is a fine testament to the short but
deep friendship between these two noble men. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: On the Anduin · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 619
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-12 22:46:57
This is a very nice, angsty story. The ending is just wonderful.

Frodo and Pippin really do have a lot in common, and it is great to see
them together facing the darkness.

Great job.
-----------------------------------
Title: King's Man · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: Vignette · ID: 197
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 22:51:30
The last line of this story is the most chilling: ["Only then did the
kings man lose hold of the banner of Elendil."] What a fitting tribute
to Halbarad's loyalty and devotion to Aragorn and all he represents - a
quiet moment, one of the last they will share together, whether they
know it or not. So much shared history sits comfortably around the fire
with them. I love Halbarad here, at ease caring for the men, the horses,
and his captain. A lovely story.

-----------------------------------
Title: Gandalf's No Good, Rotten, Really Bad Day · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 146
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 23:30:26
This never fails to crack me up, as you well know. And for some evil
reason, the part where Arwen sniffling really sets off the story. Nicely
done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 23:39:25
I've gotta hand it to you - you nailed Boromir here. I was in stitches
imagining him stuck in Rivendell, bored to tears, and frustrated with
the Elves' dismissal of him as a simple guest to be fed and ignored,
when he desperately needed to be doing something. And when he mistook
Glorfindel for a "lady" - hysterical. I knew instantly he was a goner.
Oh, dear. He really had no idea what he was getting into. But he's made
of iron, our Boromir. I loved how he took a licking and kept on ticking,
earning the respect of Glorfindel and the dozens of interested
bystanders (all of whom must have been laughing themselves sick that
this Gondorian challenged none other than the Balrog Slayer himself to a
sparring match.) I was cheering for Boromir when he finally managed to
knock Glorfindel down, and I was touched when the Elf tipped his blade
in respect. Wonderful.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wizardry · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 179
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 23:43:59
This is a really nice snapshot of Gandalf and Aragorn's friendship, and
a keen observation on their commonalities - both frequently grim but
subject to outbreaks of mirth. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Both Beholden · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 180
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-13 00:33:49
If you could be said to have a trademark scene, Dwim, I hope you'd not
be too offended if I suggested it was this - to lock two characters in a
proverbial room and let them circle each other like tigers, taking one
another's measure, probing for weakness, feinting and dodging like two
fencers - or two chess players. You did it beautifully in ["Where the
Stars are Strange"], in ["Roots"], in ["Not in Our Stars"] just as
examples I can think of at the moment. And now you've done it
exquisitely again. Boromir and Halbarad - there are so many parallels
between these two characters, and there is indeed this window in the
chronology where it would be logical for them to meet, yet I don't think
I've ever seen it done before.

Boromir is drawn beautifully here - we see how off-balance he is with
these Rangers - a warrior himself, he should be at ease with them, he
should fit right in, and yet he doesn't. A bit put out that the opinion
of a ["lowly-seeming swordsman"] seems to hold much sway with Elrond,
yet intrigued by Aragorn and realizing he can learn much of him by
watching him command his men, he volunteers for the Nazgul hunt, only to
be thwarted by being assigned to a party commanded by Halbarad, not
Aragorn. Still proud, prickly, and rank -conscious, Boromir is put more
and more off-guard by Halbarad's silent regard. ["Boromir knew very well
the other watched him; it was only a question of whether he did so also
at Aragorn's command"]. As always with your stories, there are some
phenomenal lines here - Halbarad reflecting Boromir's gaze as if to say
[look if you must, but naught you shall find, those limpid eyes said;
for my loyalty was given. And it was most emphatically not given to
Gondor, just as Boromir's loyalty was most emphatically not given to one
Aragorn son of Arathorn.]

A stalemate, it seems. But this is only the beginning of this cat and
mouse game, this contest of wills, as Boromir puts it. Eventually,
though, Halbarad breaks the silence and draws Boromir into conversation
(though not without resistance - Boromir's observation that no man in
Gondor would dare lay a hand on him as Halbarad had just done ["with the
presumption to give him a command"] was precious.

And then they get down to business - Halbarad's business; which seems to
be assuring himself that even though Boromir is not loyal to Aragorn, he
is loyal enough to Gondor that he will do the right thing when Gondor's
fate is at stake. The revelation that Aragorn was Thorongil comes into
play - easily, as if Boromir had almost expected it. Halbarad is
conscious here of passing the torch, handing off Aragorn's safety -and
his -destiny - into other hands, and he wants to be sure those hands
will be true when it counts. And by the end of their converation, he is
(more sure than Boromir, intriguingly.) And even though we never get to
find out for certain if he was right, since neither of these men will
see Minas Tirith again, we get the strong sense that he would not be
disappointed. A wonderful portrait of two strong and loyal men.
-----------------------------------
Title: The King's Surgeon · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men:
Incomplete · ID: 845
Reviewer: Songspinner · 2006-11-13 00:47:23
The author has chosen a dangerous task here - to create an original
character who does not in fact seem out of canon or jarring to the tale.
As far as I am concerned, she succeeded in her task admirably - her main
character, complete with wry and often shocking humor, never seems out
of place at all. The descriptive language is stunning in all the parts
I've read, and draws a reader into the world being created with vivid
realism (I never even minded the medical details, which only make it
more real). How it all fits into Tolkien's events as he wrote them truly
amazes me - it weaves in and out in a manner that seems natural.
-----------------------------------
Title: First Impressions · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 806
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-13 01:00:54
You already know how much I love this story, Bodkin! You had me
shivering with poor, sniffling, miserable Aragorn in that chill, hazy
room that managed to be cold and stuffy at the same time, wrapped in a
blanket and surrounded by people who were most definitely not Elves,
wishing he were home in Imladris! It's particularly amusing how he views
the Dunedain women - plain, the lot of them, as if anyone wouldn't be
next to Arwen Undomiel! His attitude seems to shift when his disdain for
ale gets him into an exchange with Halbarad that opens his eyes to the
hopes and faith of the Dunedain that hang on him, and he accepts it
although he doesn't quite yet fully understand its cost. Halbarad's
optimism really shines through here, and it helps Aragorn realize that
there must be something good about this place after all. He even begins
to realize that as wonderful as Imladris is, his future lies on a far
different path, and that someday he will look back on this time with
fondness, although he's not ready to quite imagine such a thing yet! It
is sad for such a young man to realize he faces a lifetime alone,
without even the companionship of the new friends he has just acquired.
A very thoughtful piece, managing to be both amusing and soberingl. A
wonderful story and a special birthday present.
-----------------------------------
Title: Safe? · Author: Ainu Laire · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or
Sam · ID: 271
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-13 01:30:25
The definition of safety is the central question here. Aragorn told
Frodo not to take the mithril vest off until he reached a place of
safety, and yet after all Frodo has been through, he is no longer sure
he knows what "safe" is. Even in Lothlorien, which seems so lovely and
tranquil, is there evil lurking somewhere? Is it safe to take off the
mithril vest? Disoriented and overwhelmed by his experiences, as well as
by the the horrible responsibility that he wears around his neck, Frodo
goes in search of Aragorn for counsel.

Unfortunately Aragorn, having fallen peacefully asleep in the one place
in Middle-earth where he must ordinarily feel safe, is emerging from the
throes of an uncharacteristic and nasty nightmare that features hints of
drowned Numenor. He rouses himself from it just in time to answer
Frodo's question - where is safety? The answer, it seems unhappily, is
nowhere, as long as Sauron still rules in Barad-dur. If evil can invade
even the dreams of a sleeper in Lorien, and presumably hearts therein,
then nowhere will be safe until Sauron is cast down and the fate of
Middle-earth that hangs on a chain from Frodo's neck (lovely image) is
decided. A short but very powerful and thought-provoking story.
-----------------------------------
Title: At the Rising of the Moon · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 846
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-13 04:34:21
This story has a somewhat lighter mood than most of Linda Hoyland's
Aragorn-Faramir stories - at least the trials that await our heroes are
of a non-violent nature, although Faramir of course fears the worst when
it comes to embarrassment.

But in spite of the lighter mood fitting for the holidays, the story
touches on many elements that are rooted deep in canon and Linda's other
stories: Aragorn's history in Rohan, his growing up in the North, and of
course also the friendship between the two protagonists and their
loyalty to each other. I also like the fact that both characters' wives
get an appearance and we realise that they are quite in control of their
husbands!

The elements of Rohirrim mythology that Linda introduces are well
thought out and, I think, fitting with how Tolkien himself incorporated
our own history and mythology into his universe. And the overall mood of
the piece is indeed somewhat magical, which is due to the description of
the special night and the ceremony that takes place.

The fact that the events of this story are started by Éowyn missing
something important for her own traditions is touching, and the scenes
with Elbeth are precious as usual.

An enjoyable story, probably best read in the winter season with at
least a candle (if you do not have a fire to roast chestnuts on).
-----------------------------------
Title: Fellowship of the Conkers · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor · ID: 880
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-13 10:35:44
What a delightful story to read! The testosterone simply jumps of your
screen while you are reading it, especially when the two men are facing
each other. My goodness that visual alone had me on the edge of my seat!
I never heard of conkers before, so I checked out the links and
immediately started to wonder that maybe Tolkien and his brother Hilary
might have done the same during their magical walks in the area of
Sarehole. This thought made me look at the story with different eyes and
thought: why not, this could have happened in Hollin!

I love the build up of this story, first we get a bit of insight in what
kind of games the Hobbits used to play, then Llinos writing seamlessly
flows over into a coverage of a sports game which was great to read and
well done. And Sam wins the day! The epilogue feels delightfully
hobbity; I could so imagine those four sitting around the fire and
musing about Boromirs conking training programme. This is a great short
story Llinos, the anecdote of you and Marigold playing conkers felt like
the icing on the cake and I do hope she was not bruised by those conkers
like Boromir did!
-----------------------------------
Title: Breath of Winter · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 101
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-13 10:42:34
This is such a moving story where the story narrated within the story is
brilliantly written. The firm dosage of angst on the first pages where
we have to see through Merrys eyes how Frodo slips away after being
stabbed by the Nazgul blade only gets doubled when Merry recalls being
stuck in a fierce snow storm with little Pippin. The beautiful
friendship captured in Cuthalions words, the song Frodo sang when he
rescued the little hobbits only gains more on impact when we are pulled
back to the present. Even though Pippin vaguely remembers the event and
Sam does not, it is so moving to see how those three do anything to
prevent Frodo from slipping away from them. This story is very
evocatively written and keeps my eyes bound to paper from the first word
to the last.
-----------------------------------
Title: Reconciliation · Author: Willow_41z · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 802
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-11-13 11:18:32
A touching and plausible story abut a very homesick lothiriel trying to
become a dutiful wife and queen. Some of the language is rather modern
but the idea is nicely thought out and the writer a gifted storyteller.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night Rain · Author: permilea · Races: Cross-Cultural: With
Hobbits · ID: 792
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-13 12:21:26
Rain would be very special - I can feel Frodo's joy in it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Frodo's Exciting Day Out · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 829
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-13 13:18:42
A while ago, a friend showed me a link to a short movie how the LOTR
should have ended. It involved eagles carrying the fellowship to Gondor
& Mordor and the ring was dropped off from the eagles back into the
moulting lava. I had no idea how this story would progress as I read
along, but during this splendid read I had to think of that short movie
often. And this is such a brilliant parody. I cannot help but to be
drawn into this story when Gandalf bangs on Frodos door and Frodos
mind is only with the upcoming meal, which set the tone for the rest of
the story immediately. A nearsighted elf (the scene with Legolas and the
scorned elves was just brilliant!), be careful with wine. Networking
does have its purposes and fashion advice is easy to obtain from the
Fellowship. Meetings can get cancelled and well, the news of that
sometimes to late, never trust a dwarf who had a wee bit too much of ent
water. An hilarious Boromir who shakes his fist to the air when
something stole his horn but old habits never die, Aragorn applying for
kingship& and so much more. What does this story tell me the most?
Always have seedcakes (or fish cakes, they get you anywhere) on you, you
never know when you will need it! This is such a great story Llinos, I
howled from laughter so often and this goes to my pile of stories that I
always read when I need cheering up!
-----------------------------------