Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Benison · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 67
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 07:15:32
In going through Finduilas's sewing basket and looking through her
journal, Eowyn finds herself appreciating the woman who was mother to
Faramir, feeling as if Finduilas herself were welcoming her to the
Steward's quarters in the Citadel.

A most beautiful and emotionally satisfying look at how the young bride
finds her place in her new husband's home and family.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirlooms · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 72
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 07:19:48
Morwen crafted matching horses for the children of the ruling houses in
Gondor and Rohan; and in time the love for both lands and children is
recognized as a new generation brings those two lines together, and the
tradition of playing with those horses is passed on.

A most beautiful look at how traditions can help communicate love from
one generation to another.
-----------------------------------
Title: History Becomes Legend · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 737
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 07:24:12
Again--so much said in so few words. Faramir is honored to hear the
Rohirric tale of the love of Boromir known by those of the Rohirrim who
remembered his visits and the affection known between the older son of
Denethor and the son of Theoden.
-----------------------------------
Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 07:41:15
Eomund was slain by orcs, and his widow died soon after, leaving their
children orphaned. So it was that Theodred brought them to Edoras and
Meduseld, and comforted them with those playthings that had meant the
most to him when he himself was small, realizing Eowyn coveted the
wooden sword given to her brother.

A wonderful expression of how the two children even then were both
prepared to enter the Warrior's Way, and a marvelous character sketch of
each.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Worst of All Evils · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years:
Vignette · ID: 697
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 07:58:43
Eomer must contemplate the question of whether his sister was heroic for
riding to war, or a coward and unfaithful for fleeing the service laid
on her by her uncle; and Elfhelm finds himself trying to express why it
was he allowed Eowyn and Merry to ride with his eored. Although the
answers are not definite, there is much room for thought after the
confrontation for both of them.

A most thought-provoking short story, with excellent characterizations
of Eomer, Elfhelm, and Eowyn in her despair. An excellent gapfiller.
-----------------------------------
Title: Make It One For Paladin · Author: Marta · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 48
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:09:49
Cock Robin finds he has more regrets than rejoicing as he hears the song
sung to honor the Tooks, Lobelia, and Fatty Bolger for their defiance of
Lotho's Big Men. Instead, he remembers the failures--Frodo's for selling
Bag End and so feeding Lotho's ambitions and megalomania, Lobelia for
raising such a weak son, Fredegar Bolger for leading so many to capture
and a few, like Robin's friend Hal, to death; and himself for not
fighting and encouraging others to fight against the evil regime.

A well-written look at the tragic aftermath of even the most necessarily
fought battles and wars.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 651
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:12:56
I love this look at Aragorn as the heir of Isildur come to take stock,
not yet the crown; who regrets the envy he sees growing in the eyes of
Denethor, whom he honors and respects. These thoughts addressed to the
infant Boromir are heart-rending in their poignancy.
-----------------------------------
Title: Homecomings · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 225
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:23:20
Eight who loved those who survived the Quest as fathers greet them once
all is over; rejoicing at their return, realizing each has been mightily
changed, rejoicing or grieving at what they see in the eyes of the one
each greets.

A most poignant look at how war and travail changes those who must face
them, and the effects on those who love them.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hidden Wonders · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 420
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:24:34
It is wonderful to find Eowyn is seeking to know her beloved better by
examining his library. How often I've done the same!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Lesser and Alien Race · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 683
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:27:41
Whether the woman coming is Eowyn or Valacar's bride is not spoken,
although it could be either. But I certainly found myself agreeing with
Aldamir's sister--the unnamed lord did indeed choose well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stronger Songs · Author: Marta · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 688
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:29:40
Definitely a meeting to consider, the first between Aiwendil and
Fangorn, the learning of hasty songs.
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:31:51
Ah, Thengel remembering the love offered him by Morwen and thinking to
accept the service of Thorongil. A wonderful reason for accepting the
northerner as a swordthain.
-----------------------------------
Title: Unchanged · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 926
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:34:33
Much of an age as the two of them are, yet Rory has realized there must
be drawbacks to Bilbo's apparent changelessness. Very thought-provoking.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Steward's Dream · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 647
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:40:24
Faramir dreams of the King Returned, and Boromir is not certain he
agrees, for such would apparently leave no role for the Steward--until
Faramir spoke of the white standard flying under the sable one.

To think that Boromir would be reassured by such an image is heartening.
Another wonderful look at two we love from both book and movie.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night Phantoms · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 696
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 08:45:56
The nightmares affect both Eowyn and Faramir, and tonight it is his turn
to be by her to reassure her that hers are understood and she is now safe.
-----------------------------------
Title: Banished · Author: shirelinghpc · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 993
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-11-23 10:29:45
A truly delightful story in which Aragorn and two of the Hobbits are
banished to spent a feast outside in the rain by Legolas.I am not an Elf
fan but I quite share his indignation by the time the nature of what
King and Hobbits were planning to grow !
-----------------------------------
Title: Pride Before The Fall · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 742
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 12:57:55
Knowing how fond Amanda is of Boromir, it is quite a challenge to write
a beloved character so dark as she did with Boromir here. And it all
feels so logical, almost equal to how Smeagol fell for the temptation of
the ring. First there is amazement and wonder: what can I do with the
Ring, then the first glimpses of Boromirs character surfaces and from
there it is a deep fall. The Ring isolates Boromir from the rest of the
world (grandly illustrated at the moment the mare gives out and
collapses), but what I found the most stunning bit was Boromir who
argues with his father. During his final moment, Denethor shows regret
and Amandas words simply blew me away:
["Forgive me, my son..." Denethor gasped before he continued, "for I
have wronged you terribly."]

Denethor, whom often is pictured as evil is written with great realism
and fatherly love. I do have to admit that I felt relieved that Faramir
was not near; I dont think he would have survived Boromirs possessed
state of mind. The epilogue drabble feels as the perfect conclusion of
this story and shows me as a reader the final result what would happen
if Boromir got his hands on the Ring. This is a strongly written short
work and Amada does a superb job in using the building tension as a
pacing mechanism. I admire how she crept into Boromirs mind and let it
slip into a scary madness, which jumps of the paper/screen here.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Worst of All Evils · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years:
Vignette · ID: 697
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 14:05:00
This is an interesting take that Elfhelm knew Eowyn would ride amongst
his men, maybe hindsight he knew it, but before that Tolkiens way of
writing this particular part of the book still holds for me. So yes, I
was curious on what would happen after reading such a summary, but it
turns out to be a reflective piece instead where I expected at least
some fireworks. Certain elements feel odd in the story and do not give
me a feeling that the vignette is full circle at the end or that the
protagonist has achieved something. The minor character, Elfhem, is
thoughtfully explored here and the dialogue is written quietly, fitting
for in a room in the House of Healing. But as for Éomer, I still cant
tell if this conversation was fruitful to him, but maybe that was the
purpose of this piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Holding the Line · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 581
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 14:14:06
When reading the summary I kind of expected that Legolas would be
reprimanded for his action on the battlefield. But Marta surprised me!
Drawing us back into battle, she lifts out that moment where Legolas
observes the Mûmak and goes for the kill. I bet that Southron captain
was surprised by such zealously. Neatly explored!
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 14:31:07
This is a strongly drabbled work by Marta. I love the way in which she
writes about Thengels upbringing in Gondor and his own memories how
hard it might be for this stranger to be accepted. The parallel later on
to Aragorn being accepted by the Gondorians (mainly as their King) is
very striking. Besides that, Marta explores Thengel as a King of Rohan,
his thoughts, and motivations incredibly well. It is a pity we do not
see Thengel written more often, but this drabble gives us yet another
piece of the Thengel Puzzle. A drabble about origin, heritage and
serving for a country in which you were not born or raised in: I think
both can relate to that and this connects the two of them extremely
well. One side note though, I do feel the sudden urge to draw a bath for
Thorongil, he couldnt just put on his best clothes, or was himself.

Martas word choice in this piece is excellent and the imagery the
drabbler evokes certainly asks for more Thengel and Thorongil stories
from her! This is a nice gapfiller poured skilfully into a drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 14:38:59
Giggles aplenty when I read this piece, but the mentioning of spoons was
simply the icing on the cake! This is a delightfully drabbled work; I
could so imagine her sitting at the table writing the list, which gives
the reader the feeling that they would be peeking just over her
shoulder. Very in character and the idea masterfully executed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Unchanged · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 926
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 14:54:04
When reading this drabble, I got the feeling that I was privy to an
observation by a dear friend of Bilbo. Rory is obviously very fond of
Bilbo and in his words, there is a hint of protection in it and that
Rory knows that looking still so young isnt everything. It leaves me
wondering if Rory knew of Bilbos secret or if he merely just guessed.
Very thought-provoking Marta. I love your use of lyrical language here;
I particularly love this line:
[What must it be like, for the years to break upon you with no more
effect than Brandywine's waves upon her Bridge?]

This drabble is a beautifully captured moment coming from Rorys
perspective. The story comes full circle and gives the reader a touching
insight in the relationship between these two hobbits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midsummer's Day · Author: MysteriousWays · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 980
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 15:04:41
Oh MW! This is exquisite! Your elegant writing in this piece draws me
immediately in the story and the peace washes over me just as it touches
Frodos soul. I love that you give him such a special moment, far away
from caring friends, just lying under the sun. There is a sense of
weariness in him still and Frodo knows it will be always there, but I
feel glad that he can find some time away from all. This is yet another
great work from MW with Frodo after the Quest and I feel glad that it is
a happy moment where Frodo can enjoy the fruits of his labour: a Shire
basking under the warm sun! This is beautifully drabbled: a moment
captured in elegant prose! Brava, I really enjoyed this one (although I
almost expected your OFC to tumble into the picture)!
-----------------------------------
Title: Healing the Healer · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 935
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-23 15:28:41
I really like this story where Aragorn is being subjected to the
hobbits fussing over him, although at the end of it is clear that
Boromir is up next and hes in for a treat! In this piece, every member
of the Fellowship has a distinctive voice and Aragorns struggling at
first, telling the hobbits off that he doesnt need healing feels at
place here. His discovery of Pippins own struggles with health in his
childhood (fanon or not, it works here) makes him look at Pippin and his
friends differently. Pippins comment on Aragorns feet was just priceless!

But what happens in this story besides that it made me laugh  is the
forging of the Fellowship. Before a strong bond can be formed between
every member, there needs to be a some sort of teambuilding to connect
the several fractions in this group. I think ST did a very good job with
this. Everyone gets the room to make themselves useful with their own
strengths and Aragorn realises that in the end: as a natural leader I
can see how he can put this to use later on. ST has a firm grasp on
every character in this piece and writes them accordingly to it by
making great use of the characteristics (as summarised by Gandalf) of
every race. The tone of this piece feels light-hearted, but what stands
out is how easy it flows while you read it. This was such a delightful read!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Length of Haradric Silk · Author: annmarwalk · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 69
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2006-11-23 16:26:47
This is just lovely. The description of the cloth, with its changing
colours, is absolutely gorgeous, and I love how Sam's context for
comparision of those colours are all somehow linked to the Shire. Frodo
doesn't really have a big presence here, but I get the distinct
impression that he's not only amused by Sam's fascination with the
fabric, but that if Sam doesn't buy it, he will, as a gift.
And I love Sam's reaction to the seller's suggestions - there's
embarassment, but I caught a bit of dreamy hopefulness as well, though
that could be just me projecting.
-----------------------------------