Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Thief of Hearts: How Pippin Stole Merrys Heart · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 918
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-16 21:18:13
Why would everyone be so excited about a baby, eight year old Merry
wonders, but then wee Peregrin works his magic on his cousin. Before
Merry know what's hit him, he has a nickname for the little one and has
decided he doesn't want a baby brother of his own, someone only like
Pippin, he wants this baby, thank you very much!

A darling tale well told!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Grey at the End of the World · Author: jodancingtree · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond: The Shire · ID: 288
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 21:21:22
I have read all of Jo's tale from this astonishing universe...
"Following the other wizard" (where her amazing Canohando was
introduced), "The Queen's Orc" (where he got his own saga) and now this
one - "The Grey at the End of the World". It is a kind of Amargeddon of
the Shire we know and got to love, the Shire Canohando swore to protect.
Generations have passed, and now hords of strange barbarians flood the
cozy homeland of Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, raiding peaceful
villages and killing their inhabitants. And one of Canohando's
descendants is more orc than he should be, causing a personal tragedy
that affects the whole Shire...

It is a difficult, painful tale, and yet convincing. Tolkien wrote that
the hobbits live a very hidden life nowadays and can barely be found,
and Jo gives us the reason why. And yet there is comfort and consolation
at the end; this is an incredibly well written end of a masterful
trilogy. and the knowledge that at least one orc was allowed to take the
road to Valinor, gives the reader a strange kind of peace.

Wonderfully done, Jo. But I never expected anything less from you.
-----------------------------------
Title: How Grima Lost His Eyebrows · Author: NeumeIndil · Times: Late
Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 800
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 21:28:41
This ficlet offers a very believable explanation for Gríma Wormtongue's
ghoul-like, eyebrow-less face - DANGER: EXPLOSIVES! Brillantly written -
what a fun!
-----------------------------------
Title: Lonely Night · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 295
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 21:46:03
Neumeindil's "Morwen and Gamling"-stories are one of my favorite series
in fanfiction. The fact that a soldier falls in love with a whore is not
a new concept, but the author works with the idea quite admirably. In
this tale all the (delightful) erotic details are missing, and we get to
see the darker, bitter side of Morwen's life. What does a prostitute do
when she gets pregnant and is not able to keep the child? Pain and the
memories of (deliberately) lost babes is poignant and painfully
believable, and the author doesn't allow us any
"Pretty-Woman"-cheesiness of the Middle Earth-kind. But as far as I am
concerned my respect for Morwen has only grown after this thorough gaze
into the depths of her heart.
-----------------------------------
Title: Scattered Leaves · Author: Aratlithiel · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 110
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 21:54:46
To translate this agonizing view into the depth of the Ringbearer's
heart after the Quest was one of the most difficult things I've ever
done... Aratlithiel describes Frodo's torn spirit and broken soul in a
ragged language... shrieking outbursts of pain, changing to dark visions
of what the Enemy's ring has done to him and the final realization that
all hopes for a healing have come to naught.

It was a "terrible" read - but I return to this tale again and again. It
is a brilliant yet horrible classic.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Healer's Tale · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits · ID: 861
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-16 22:17:44
Great story!

For once, the main character is not a Took, at least not by birth, but
someone who is a Healer for the Tooks, which proves to be quite a taxing
job, as Tooks in Lindelea's stories usually do not exactly appreciate
all that the healers do for them.

The story takes place in two interwoven strands at different times. One
tells about the main character's development from a shy orphan to a
quite confident healer with the stubborness needed to order Tooks
around, the other shows us Pippin (whom Lindelea makes suffer quite a
lot in her stories anyway, the poor lad) in a particularly desperate
situation.

Many other characters that appear in canon or in Lindelea's other fics
play a part in the story, and some of them a very important one,
especially for poor Pippin's sake. We see his friendship with Merry and
Sam as well as his relationship to his family from the main character's
point of view and get some very interesting insights.

Through the way the main character's story is linked with Pippin's, we
learn at least as much about him as about her. There is also, as always,
much about traditions and customs both of the Tooks and Hobbits in
general in this story - the amount of detail Lindelea provides is marvelous.

As all of her stories, I definitely recommend this one.
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Tent Somewhere Near Whitwell or The Truth About Merry ·
Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: The Shire · ID: 472
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 22:24:30
The (slightly complicated) title could easily also be: "The most
staggering tale about what seemed to happen but never really happened
save in Peregrin Took's naughty imagination". A harmless camping trip of
Frodo Baggins and Meriadoc Brandybock ends in thunder and rain, and
their (most understandable) loss of clothes leads to a major
misunderstanding from Pippin's POV:.. but the deeply embarrassed cousins
get a very approporiate revenge.

I laughed my a... off over this tale and will translate it as soon as I
can - wonderful, hysterically funny and a hoot to read!
-----------------------------------
Title: Threshold · Author: Mechtild · Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 823
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 22:44:09
I found Mechtild's tale "Threshold" via one of my friends, curiously
dipping my toes in an unknown universe where a young Frodo falls in love
with a clearly elder woman (something I didn't find to strange or even
appalling, but that maybe my european attitude), and I was clearly
fascinated by the richness of her imagery and the wonderful depth of her
erotic scenes. Now that she finally has continued this long saga, I am
even more impressed. The scenes have the golden light of ancient flemish
paintings, same as her extremely detailed descriptions of the bucolic
life in the Shire with its families and relationships. I'm so glad that
she finally find the courage to write more!
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Budgielover · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 399
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 23:18:30
Utterly delightful, and still on my translation list... the story how
Frodo Baggins and Meriadoc Brandybuck discover that using Wee Pippin as
an alibi to impress pretty lasses is not the best of choices (and that
tale even includes a nice recipe!). Wonderfully done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadows of a Nameless Fear · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 640
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-16 23:30:36
Wonderful, amazing tale... full of suspense, horror and delicately
crafted angst. What I like most is her interaction between a wide
variety of characters (OC and canon) and the stunning characterization
of Frodo. He is often - too often - portrayed as a weak figure, fainting
once and again, to be rescued by men and elves and constantly protected
by a much stronger Sam. He has to be protected here, too, but he is
still clever, wise and willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of
others. I can't wait to see the end of this story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Better Than Frodo Baggins · Author: Inkling · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 809
Reviewer: permilea · 2006-11-17 02:22:53
Inkling hooks us in right from the start, especially those of us who
have read her wonderful young-Frodo tales. This one is about a Baggins,
all right, and even that Baggins... just not only that one!

We get to see two very different hobbits, Frodo Baggins and his cousin,
Lotho Sackville-Baggins. Inkling shows them as two sides of one coin.
Lotho cowers, tattles, and in his pain, destroys. In several scenes,
such as Otho's tirade and the crushing of the duck eggs, Inkling
provides reasonable justification for why Lotho grew up as he did.
Despite everything, we can pity this Lotho. When he is offered the
chance to change, he chooses not to. He is a tragic figure in his
inability to obtain what he longs for. In this Baggins we can see one
who grows up to destroy the Shire.

Likewise, in his cousin, we see the seeds of one who will save it. One
of the best parts of this story is Inkling's Frodo. He's popular,
honorable, cheerful and social. He makes friends easily, stands up to
bullies, and would rather play than study. I have enjoyed many
renditions of youthful Frodo, and Inkling's is one of the best. I can
see this Frodo inspiring loyal servants and friends who would sacrifice
all to follow him across Middle-earth.

A thoroughly enjoyable tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: The White Tree · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 94
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-17 03:12:38
In this well-written gapfiller, Faramir is outraged when Aragorn orders
that the White Tree be uprooted.

Aragorn's loneliness and his longing to be treated as an ordinary human
being instead of a king are believable and well-depicted. His feeling of
claustrophobia in the Citadel made me think of his line in ROTK-- ['Say
a captain of the Rangers, who are unused to cities and houses of stone.]
In this story, Faramir has not been entirely healed in body and mind,
and he is still coming to terms with the sudden changes in his
circumstances. He is used to dealing with his father--a dread sovereign
in both senses of the word--so he is not sure how to react to the new
king's overtures of friendship. With kindness and tact (and threats of
tea and cakes), Aragorn dispels a misunderstanding and reassures the
younger man.

The story is lightened with touches of humor. I laughed aloud at
Gandalf's snide remark when Aragorn says that he has given up pipeweed
for his future wife. I also liked how Merry and Pippin try to distract
the king with jokes and promises of breakfast. Linda captured their
hobbity cheerfulness perfectly.

In this story, the planting of the new White Tree marks the beginning of
Aragorn's friendship with his Steward. The writing is skillful and shows
the writer's love for Tolkien's universe. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Road Not Taken · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 104
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-11-17 04:22:01
I just loved this glimpse of Imrahil when he brings the wounded Faramir
home..I am certain that many a reader shared the Prince's seniments at
feeling like hitting Denethor for sending his son out to die.Imrahil is
a perfect knight, bound by his oath,but how he must simmer inside !
-----------------------------------
Title: The Household Accounts · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 50
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-11-17 04:28:57
A very atmospheric account of the Housekeeper giving Eowyn a tour of the
storeroom.It almost seems the room is full of ghosts as the room is
stacked with cloth from which the garments of those now dead have been made.
I like the idea that Eowyn might make a gown for a future daughter from
material belonging to Faramir's mother,as she is surely a presence from
the past worth remembering.
The writer obviously has a good knowledge of ancient textiles and their
uses which she puts to good use here.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pearl of Great Price · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 804
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 07:32:21
The characterisations in this story are well developed, and as usual
with Lin's stories, the angst is very well done. Pearl especially is
portrayed wonderfully here.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sums, Showers, and Scones · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 890
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 07:50:28
This is a really sweet vignette. I enjoy stories that show quiet times
between these characters and this one certainly does not disappoint.
While I liked the scene in which they made tea, I loved most of all the
three cousins studying together; what a marvellous picture that conjures
in my mind.
-----------------------------------
Title: Counterpoint, Interfolio - Scherzo · Author: Daffodil Bolger ·
Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 617
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 08:08:18
This is a perfect glimpse into little Pippin's mind. His thought
processes are just outstanding and the characterisations of all of the
hobbits are well done. I loved Pippin's made up words!
-----------------------------------
Title: Sweet Woodbine · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 864
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 08:27:19
The characterisations in this story are just spot-on, and I found the
politics very interesting. I really liked the fact that Legolas found
love at last!
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Year · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 704
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 08:35:42
I loved the idea that Legolas (and others) were determined that those
who helped to defeat Sauron in Middle-earth should not ever be forgotten
- especially the Ring-bearers. Gandalf was wonderful in this story, and
though the cast of characters is extensive, each one is written as an
individual. Terrific detail and dialogue. I enjoyed this!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Lesser and Alien Race · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 683
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 08:42:47
This is a wonderfully complex drabble, skilfully written. That it could
apply two different couples across time is very clever indeed! I liked
the narrator here very much - she stands head and shoulders above her
small minded brother. Very, very impressive.
-----------------------------------
Title: 300 Horses · Author: Rous · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 631
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 08:46:58
It's nice to think that Minas Tirith had survived so long. A very
imaginative drabble! I especially loved the way the language had evolved
over time. This was a very realistic touch.
-----------------------------------
Title: Making the Legends of Our Times · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 860
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 08:51:15
I liked the unexpectedness of this drabble. The last line was perfect!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Will · Author: LydiaB · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 770
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 09:04:57
What a wonderful and fascinating premise! I loved this drabble for
several different reasons, not least because it supposes that
Middle-earth and the tale of the Ring really did happen. Tolkien
definitely came away with the real treasure that day.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Burdens of Office · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 865
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 09:14:37
This was very cleverly done! I liked the courtly speech and the way that
Faramir fulfilled both of his official roles so conscientiously. And the
ending, a conversation between two friends, was just right.
-----------------------------------
Title: Second Son · Author: Nesta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
· ID: 843
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-17 09:31:24
A very original premise. Not only did I see a bit of Faramir in young
Turin, I saw Eowyn too; he is determined to follow a course which most
folks would find inappropriate. But his interest is not without merit,
as was Eowyn's. I like the sharpness of his mind here - he is not simply
playing with the bones, he has a real interest in them. I can see him
growing up into a healer or scholar if he does not in fact become
Middle-earth's first archaelogist!

Faramir proves himself to be a good father here, one who learned from
his own father's mistakes.

-----------------------------------

Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 01:39:50
I really like the fact that Rhapsody doesnt say which son of Feanor
this was written about. It could be any one of them, although I am
surprised it was not clearly Maglor or Celegorm, her personal favorites.
Hehe Even the title was a creative play on words. Swan dance because the
swan boats were what the Feanorians were fighting over and I think the
imagery of sword fighting being a graceful but dreadful and deadly dance
is very appropriate. Anyone who has watched sword fighting in movies
knows there is a rhythm to it if done correctly and I suspect any of the
sons of Feanor would know the rhythm better than most as some of them
actually crafted their weapons. I imagine also that they were training
in sword fighting before anyone else since Feanor was so suspicious of
Morgoth so perhaps they were one of the few who were truly prepared for
the battle unlike the crafters and sea loving Teleri elves. Once again
seeing things through the Feanorians eyes you can almost understand
their oath despite feeling saddened by the senseless murder of these
innocent elves. Her love of the Noldo is showing through clear as day in
this yet I dont think she has ever written anything that tries to
justify their actions, merely shows you their tale from the other side.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tracks of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 60
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-18 02:29:43
Legolas reflects on how quickly his mortal friends live the seasons of
their lives. Whenever I read this fic, it reminds me of Francois
Villon's plaintive "Mais ou sont les neiges d'antan?" because this has
the same autumnal sadness. [Where have the seasons fled?] Legolas
wonders. Elves are not the only ones who wonder at the decay wrought by
the years, but as an immortal, Legolas seems not only saddened but also
a little perplexed by these changes.

The piece opens with his remark that [Eowyn's tresses have lost their
gold, like the fading mellyrn of Lorien] and closes with his statement
that [I shall seek the Undying Lands, where, it is said, my people
flourish in changeless grace, and time treads softly on the mellyrn's
golden leaves.] He compares his own people to long-lived trees which
rarely produce saplings. Unified by the imagery of golden leaves and
trees, the piece moves from Legolas' sorrow at the mortality of his
friends to his decision to one day escape that sadness by journeying
over the Sea. I thought it poignant that he could see Arwen's panic as
her husband began to show signs of aging. She was three thousand years
old (I believe), and their time together must have seemed so brief to her.

The writing is rich and elegant, giving Legolas an appropriately
sophisticated yet earnest voice. His thoughts and the images have a
jewel-like intensity and precision which make this piece a pleasure to
read again and again. Well done, Raksha!
-----------------------------------
Title: Redemption of Meriadoc · Author: aelfgifuemma · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 915
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 03:47:00
The story to which this is the sequel was very disturbing, and I found
myself likening it to looking at a car wreck as one drives by. This one,
of Merry loosed from the influence of the Ring after having tortured
Frodo beyond anything I've ever heard tell of even in tales of the
Inquisition and attempting to undo the damage done is far better
written, and far more positive than its predecessor.

The characters are interesting, and the story engaging.

I'd just like to see it finished at this point!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Memorial in Four Parts · Author: Illwynd · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 702
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 03:48:00
Four memories to ease the loss of the one of the Nine Walkers who did
not have the chance to reach the White City as part of the Fellowship.
Very thoughtful and poignant; and Frodo's vision of silent communion
with the one who shared his own fall to the Ring's power is most gentle
and delicately written.
-----------------------------------
Title: Flotsam · Author: Salsify · Times: The Great Years: Vignette · ID: 85
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 03:52:38
A part of the flotsam of Isengard ignored at the time, yet tragic in its
way.

I'd never stopped to think of how many females and their younger
offspring must have been killed in the flooding of Isengard.

A beautiful tribute to the innocents who always die in wars. Thank you,
Salsify.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Golden Mask · Author: kwannom · Races: Men: Incomplete · ID: 670
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-18 03:53:54
An interesting idea, and an unusual time period. I don't know if this is
a book or movie verse, or some blend of both, but Haldir makes me think
of movie verse. Nice plotting.
-----------------------------------
Title: Brothers at Heart · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Incomplete ·
ID: 451
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-18 04:00:35
Having read a couple of this author's other fics, I really like her
version of the relationship of Aragorn and Halbarad, and looked forward
to seeing how that began. So far I am not disappointed, except for a
lack of time to finish reading it. I hope I may come back to it when the
MEFAs are over!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon's Watch · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 227
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:12:29
I, too, had seen Faramir as not understanding why his father chose to
leave the Shire at the last. But this story of Faramir Took's final
acceptance of his father's choice and the falcon that kept watch on the
travels of those coming south to visit the tombs of the two Hobbits is
so very gently and thoughtfully done. I can't help but recommend it to
others.
-----------------------------------
Title: Come When You Are Ready · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 795
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:15:14
I remember reading this when it was published, and find I like it as
well now.

Denethor at least finds some healing as his restless spirit walks the
Citadel after nearly killing his son. Very thought-provoking.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sam's Voice · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 964
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:21:10
The one voice capable of getting past that of the Ring was Sam's; and
now Frodo accepts he needs Sam's presence to remain present in the Shire
himself.

Nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Exaltation of Larks · Author: Ibilover · Times: The Great
Years · ID: 178
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:31:00
Again, a story I first read when it was posted, and one that is as
hilarious now as it was then. What DOES one call a number of Hobbits
sleeping close to one another for warmth and comfort along the way? And
now we know HOW Faramir and Aragorn came to read the same book! Heh!
-----------------------------------
Title: Not In Vain · Author: Pipwise Brandygin · Races: Hobbits: War of
the Ring · ID: 675
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:41:28
A very warm exchange between Pippin and Gandalf regarding what was meant
to be and what has happened to those they have come to love during the
quest. And a peaceful acceptance that Boromir, though flawed, yet was
redeemed by his love for Pippin and Merry in the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Spring Day At Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits · ID: 746
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:46:49
A most gentle gladness on the part of Aragorn that he did indeed seek to
bring Pippin back from the brink of death, and a marvelous image of the
Hobbits awakened and healing, each as he might do so.

Lovely.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Squirrels and Stolen Pies · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 305
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:47:39
Now and then a story comes up that is so bewildering that it captures
the imagination--and this is definitely one of them. One truly needs to
be careful in how one frames questions aimed at young Peregrin Took, as
although they will be answered fully, the answer you get may just not
end up being the one you want. Merry, having stolen some pies, now
watches confidently as those pursuing the pie thieves try vainly to
figure out from Pippin how he ended up with one of them, much less who
gave it to him.

A hilarious look at Pippin-logic, stolen pies, and squirrel watching.
-----------------------------------
Title: To See Justice Done · Author: Lindelea · Times: The Great Years:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 306
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:48:18
What Beregond did in leaving his post and then shedding blood in the
Hallows, even done in defense of his beloved Captain Faramir, earned him
the death penalty. Yet he did it under the best of intentions.

Lindelea in this one has chosen to depict Aragorn feeling bound to
follow the traditions which decree Beregond must die; and so Pippin
finds that in saving his guardsman friend from the troll he has perhaps
not done him any favors. Instead he and the rest of the Hobbits are left
wondering how Pippin may bear the burden of guilt he must assume at the
blowing of the silver trumpet, when by tradition Beregond must die.

It is a haunting vision of what might have been, and of the last minute
inspiration which allows Aragorn to grant Beregond his new rank and
position as captain of Faramir's new personal guard.

Personally I don't see it having happened in this manner; however, it is
a viable alternative, and is well and engagingly written. I freely
recommend it to others.
-----------------------------------
Title: Untrodden Path · Author: Timmy2222 · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 308
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:48:59
That Gandalf set Aragorn hunting for Gollum we know, as well as the fact
that he found him in the Dead Marshes and bound him with rope and was
bitten for his pains. But here Gollum has escaped after pulling his
captor into a pool and almost drowning him. Saved by local villagers,
Aragorn manages to show them how to protect themselves, then sets off
with young Daevan in search if his quarry.

But Gollum has reached the east gate of Moria and slipped inside. Men
from Dunland, with the aid of orc slaves, are digging for mithril for
Saruman, and on learning of the arrival of the small creature and
Aragorn they seek to capture these intruders as well. However, Aragorn
has managed to find and aid a group of dwarves. Will they and Daevan be
able to help free Aragorn after he's been beaten unconscious and help
him accomplish his quest?

Well written and full of dramatic tension. Aragorn as The Great Warrior
shines and is wonderfully laconic. Well, well worth the reading.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritance · Author: Primsong · Times: Late Third Age: The Shire
· ID: 310
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:49:50
What if Bilbo's envelope of papers had been lost, and Lotho and Lobelia
are able to sue to inherit Bag End and its contents due to lack of a
will? A most chilling look at what might have happened, particularly
when we think of what now lies in Lotho's pocket finding a mind It can
easily play with so close at hand.

A marvelously devious AU story here, and well worth the read.
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:50:24
Ann Marwalk is the queen, in my estimation, of those capable of saying a
great deal in a very few words. This look at the love Gimli misses, who
chooses not to answer the call to accompany his party to Minas Tirith to
help in the restoration of the city due to too few words is marvelous,
particularly when she considers and later uses her cat as an excuse.

A truly thought-provoking story on how we are often blind to interest
shown in us.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sleeping Arrangements · Author: Lady Galadriel · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 312
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:51:04
Somewhere along the way a stubborn Baggins tries to face down a stubborn
gardener over whether or not he should use both blankets he now holds,
and Sam finds himself remembering the first time Frodo refused to allow
himself more comfort than was given Sam.

Queen Galadriel has managed to write a poignant tale of two individuals
each intent on being more courteous to the other in an argument as to
which should sleep on the bed and which on the floor during an overnight
visit by Sam to Bag End. In the end both sleep together on the floor,
starting a pattern of seeking equality ever between them through mutual
self-offering.

One of the most gently poignant of this young Lady's works.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Sight to Remember · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 703
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:51:52
Marigold had to start it with her "naked Hobbit" prompt, and the results
have been spectacular. But of them all, this has to be the most
hilarious. To see Pippin and Rusty deciding to prank Lotho
Sackville-Baggins but to end up getting caught behind a screen while
Lobelia takes a bath has to be one of the most sickening and humorous
situations I can imagine! Those, poor, poor bairns!

Well written, and a good glimpse at the early years for some of her
villains from her later works on the Time of Troubles. Well worth the
read, and heartily recommended to all.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Year · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 704
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:52:49
Bodkin's stories of the Blessed Realm and the experiences of Elladan,
Elrohir, Legolas, and their families are always well worth the read.
However, this is one story I will always feel very moved by.

Herein the three young (relatively speaking, of course) Elves decide it
is time that those who live in Aman should realize just what happened in
the War of the Ring, and how greatly beloved the Ringbearers and
particularly Frodo Baggins were. Therefore they set out to start a new
tradition in which the destruction of the Ring and the start of the New
Year on March 25th is celebrated in Valinor. The discussions leading up
to the first celebration are alternately poignant and humorous and
thoughtful; and when it comes they find themselves commenting on the
reactions they see about them and how they predict things will go in
coming years.

The story is beautifully detailed, and the celebration is marvelously
crafted. What truly moves me when I read and reread it, however, is the
firework display Gandalf provides. The firework denoting Frodo's
sacrifice and final acceptance of the Gift is among the most beautiful
descriptions I've read anywhere. That it coincides with my own idea of
how Frodo chose to leave Arda in the end perhaps adds to the emotional
appeal to me, at least.

A most moving story.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins · Author: GamgeeFest ·
Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 713
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:53:35
In "For Eyes to See as Can" I indicated that Frodo had written a story
of this title for Sam as a birthday gift, and that Sam treasured it for
the remainder of his life in Middle Earth. Then Frodo Baggins wanted to
hear what this story was, and I challenged her to write it herself. What
she produced is one of the most beautiful and lyrical non-Fellowship
stories still consistent with Middle Earth and the Shire I've read.

A garden gone back to the wild finds redemption and renewal with the aid
of love. Truly, if Frodo had wanted to write a tribute to the small
Samwise Gamgee he knew and loved without having Sam as part of the
story, this would be it.

Definitely a joy to read.
-----------------------------------
Title: Farewell Lullaby · Author: Armariel · Races: Hobbits: Poetry ·
ID: 719
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:54:00
Armariel's free-verse poetry tends to be among the most beautiful
available; but this is my favorite of all--a prayer by Frodo for Elanor
to help fill the vacancy in Sam's life his leaving will cause. I find it
deeply moving and gentle, and well, well worth the read.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gardener's Wife · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Races:
Hobbits · ID: 720
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 04:54:52
What if Bell Gamgee didn't die, but instead ran off with another Hobbit
to make a new life with all the luxuries she didn't find with Hamfast?
But she learns that although she's found comfort, she's turned her back
on love, a love the Gaffer continues to offer her until the end itself.

This is a poignant story, and a sad one as Sam learns the truth about
his mother, and that his father never got over his love for his lost
wife. Yet in the end, under the Mallorn tree, the Gaffer finds a last
gift to take to her.

Gentle, as Sam finds he can bear more grief with the relief of knowing
that love can endure far more than one might believe.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Kind of Courage · Author: Auntiemeesh · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 959
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 05:00:50
A most worthwhile examination of what Merry felt as he was left behind
in Minas Tirith and later came with the supplies from the city to Cormallen.

Very gently written and well thought out.
-----------------------------------