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Dear all, this afternoon the 5,000 mark in story reviews was passed...
simply amazing!!

Now onto the daily check ballot:

Title: Aglarond · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 68
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 01:19:28
A lovely idea, that Galadriel would forever be a muse for Gimli as he
crafted his most beautiful works.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Beauty of Memory · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 652
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 01:20:13
Boromir is gone, but he will never be forgotten. That Pippin admired him
and picked up some of his mannerisms is very plausible, as is his
understanding that his memories of Boromir will help Faramir to start to
come to terms with his loss. I liked that Aragorn had similar thoughts
and so brought Pippin and Faramir together. The tone of this story, and
Pippin's recounting of his memories, is not overly sentimental in the
least, but told forthrightly, just as a hobbit would tell it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gimli's Tale · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Dwarves · ID: 934
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 01:21:32
I very much believe that the Fellowship would continue to look after one
another after the Quest and this story is a good example of that, with
Gimli taking his turn to sit with an ill Pippin in Minas Tirith. Gimlis
thoughts are well written and I especially liked his reaction when, upon
entering the room, he notices that Pippin has one foot peeking out from
beneath the covers, reminding Gimli of when he found Pippin under the
troll. His care of Pippin in this story is very tender and yet not
overly sentimental. He is gruff, but we know that beneath it he is a
very caring friend.
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Title: A Lesser and Alien Race · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 683
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 01:22:25
This is an exquisite drabble. That it could fit just as well to two
different points in time was cleverly and skilfully done. I had never
considered that parallel before. The sister's thoughts, in comparison to
her brother's, were considered and noble. I found myself liking her very
much.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Fords of Isen · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Adventure · ID: 41
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-24 02:19:22
Very very nice, Branwyn. Chilling and uplifting at the same time and
well done with the framing of the story within the story. - I can see it
becoming lore among those people.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope Eternal · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 930
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-24 02:36:50
This is one of yours that I haven't read before and I found it to be
both engaging and thougtful - as I've come to expect from you. I
especially appreciate the depth of canon and the characterization, not
just of Aragorn and Faramir, but the Orcs as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: My Eyes! My Eyes! · Author: Alassante · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 358
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-24 03:56:35
Apparently young Elven ladies are as prone to take a good look when the
opportunity presents itself as the young Elven lords. Our dear Arwen--a
voyeur?

I found myself with a raised brow and a chuckle.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elements · Author: Pearl Took · Times: The Great Years · ID: 667
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-11-24 06:48:17
Hearbreakingly poignant, this work reads so much like poetry it is
difficult not to think of it in those terms. This tale involves a
movie-verse scene very dear to many of us. It is a peek behind the
silver-rain curtain to that far green country, and a peek into the heart
of a most beloved member of the Fellowship. It may be short, yet, like a
hobbit, it has a foundation deep, wide and strong. Altogether a highly
and beautifully readable piece, this inner-dialogue work simply left me
awestruck with the beauty ot its prose. The mystical and spiritual
quality ranks with any comparitive work I've read, and was written with
such honesty as to warm the heart and the soul. In my opinin it would
have been a shame to not nominate it. It is certainly a shame to see it
lie unappreciated. I feel the work dovetails well with the spiritual
context of the source material, and leaves one feeling assured that we
should all be blessed with such faith. The artfulness of the writing
bears up well under great scrutiny, and though written in a style which
is highly spiritual, is handled with a good eye for the stream of
consciousness. It is spiritual, but not in a manner which talks down to
the reader, but rather lifts the reader up.
-----------------------------------
Title: Father and Daughter · Author: Imhiriel · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 943
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-11-24 06:54:10
I find Galadriel a difficult character to warm up to, but this ficlet
shows her in a sympathetic light. The writing is eloquent. An unusual
perspective on the ban of the Valar.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hidden on the Mountain · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 945
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-11-24 06:56:51
The White Tree from its own perspective--it works. I like the use of
hands to reflect the personalities of the people.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stories of Our People · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 292
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-11-24 06:57:03
This is an absolutely fabulous story and one of my favorites. In fact, I
wish I had nominated it! Pearl Took has put her rich imagination into
overdrive on this one, and it truly shows, shining and lovely as a
single brilliant star. It brought me back to my original sense of wonder
in regards to the source material, and it made me wish I was part of the
story. It just does not get any better than that. At times like this, it
is difficult to write a review coherent enough to demonstrate my
feelings and thoughts that this exceptional tale inspired in my spirit
and in my heart. Stories like this is why we write. Stories like this is
why we read. When a story makes you forget you are reading, you know it
is exceptionally good and I'm happy to report that this is a story which
does exactly that. Not only that, like the source material, it almost
makes me ache that it isn't for real. But as deep as that ache is, I'm
left with the feeling that somewhere, somehow, deep in my heart, I see a
truthfulness in it that does indeed make it real. One does not run into
writing of this calibre every day. I only wish it was an experience
repeated more often than it is. The mythopoetic qualities underline the
importance of legendaria to us as human beings. In that regard, here is
a truth as cool and as hard as a smooth stone laid upon the fevered
cheek of a lost child. I cannot say it enough: this story is worthy.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ddraigspelt  An Orc Love Poem · Author: Llinos · Genres:
Romance: Poetry · ID: 879
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-11-24 07:01:07
I was dubious about the concept, but this poem actually works. Well
done! Truly orcish imagery, and a harsh rhythm.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthday Kisses · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 59
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 11:26:35
This story gave me goose bumps when I read it. From Imrahils
perspective, we read how warmth and joy is returned into Faramir and
Boromirs life. Denethor is still struggling, but even though his own
pain in loosing his wife to death, he does his best and gives the young
boy a pup that is the striking image of his wifes dog. In a way, Raksha
leaves it up to the reader to make up their own mind about the
significance of the gifting of the pup, to me it feels as if Faramir can
continue his life with striking resemblance of his mothers dog.

At the end Raksha poses an intriguing question and brings the story full
circle:
[I looked back at Denethor. He smiled bleakly, his own eyes alight with
unshed tears, as he watched Faramir. Ah. Denethor truly did love his
second son. Why did he show it only through the gift of a foolish puppy
that now gave Faramir the kisses his father could not spare?]

That is a very though-provoking question; maybe it is the harness of a
Steward Denethor must show, even to Imrahil that will only create a
larger gap over the year. This story has a quiet tone, yet the grief on
display here feels so poignant only to be softened by the heart-warming
description of Faramir and his pup.
-----------------------------------
Title: Home At Last · Author: Dreamflower · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 883
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 13:00:18
Ah poor Bilbo! I so felt for him when he lost his pupils. Famous amongst
the Elves and Dwarves, to his own kind he is seen as unreliable.
Actually, I can imagine it from the parents perspective: stability is
something you do want for your children. I think it might take a while
before Bilbo gets new pupils again. I loved the hobbity feel of this
story: Bilbo planning his day, varied with his meals and his remarkable
energy. I loved the mentioning of this:

[One thing that his journeying had taught him was a greater appreciation
of all the lovely things he had taken for granted before he left, such
as pocket handkerchiefs, dressing gowns, feather beds and tea.]

This is such a wonderful thought here, because indeed, Bilbo often is
longing for those simple things during his adventure. And this made me
laugh as well!

[It was very nice to put on his green and yellow weskit with all its
brass buttons intact, even though it was a bit large for him at the
moment.] This surely brought back memories that even in the direst
moments, Bilbo often thought about his poor buttons. But still not all
is lost and the young Drogo gives Bilbo a wanted feel when his cousin
comes to visit him. I love the chitchat that follows with a nice
foreshadowing about who Drogo will marry.

Despite the bad news Bilbo receives in this story and the knowledge that
his position in the Shire has to be adjusted, I love that it ends with a
positive note. Dreamflower captured a day out of Bilbos life in a great
way with the perfect touches here and there which either referred to his
adventure with the Dwarves or the Hobbit society. This was such an
enjoyable read!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 14:34:42
Well this was a lot of fun! I wonder why the two brothers has been send
down into the archives in the first place, but their brotherly
interaction is just brilliantly written and in a very manly way. From
hair-colour discussions [What the hell kind of a color is
reddish-goldish-brownish-blond?] to being beaten up by their father
to Boromir's dismay of being killed so often:

[He seemed to be dying an awful lot in all these so-called Prophetic
Scrolls, and the scribes all seemed to enjoy going into great detail
about the excruciating mental and physical agony he experienced whilst
it happened. And why did it always seem to involve being shot down with
arrows in defense of two people named Mary and Peppy?]

Oh my goodness, this leaves me wondering what Boromir will think of the
professor when they find the true scrolls. Maybe that is interesting to
read for a part two. This was a delightful read where the author
explored the characters greatly with superb dialogue.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 131
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-24 15:38:57
What a sad story of the parting between the elves leaving Valinor for
Middle-earth, and those staying behind. Not all were driven by a madness
to ge back what had been taken from them, and I'm sure there were scenes
just like this. I can see this memory playing into how Celebrimbor's
personality forms. He's an artisan like his grandfather, drawn to
create, but he's different somehow, and I can see this moment as well as
his memories of what Feanor did to everyone he knew help him take a
different path.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of Werewolves · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 255
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 16:13:14
Hehehehe, this was a lot of fun! Even though Sauron screwed up with
Carcharoth  and thank goodness, Morgoth knows how to correct him
because it took a lot to bring that werewolf down. I just love the sight
Raksha is giving us here, the only thing that was missing that
Carcharoth would walk up to Morgoth with a leash between his teeth. For
the evil side it all ended well: Sauron did conquer Tol Sirion and
Carcharoth did what he was bred for, but its funny to read that Morgoth
had management problems as well ;) This was a delightful read.
-----------------------------------
Title: We Shall Return · Author: Marta · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 650
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 16:31:06
Oi Marta, what an amazing drabble which shows so much depth! The son of
Castamir, feeling so utterly bitter after Eldacamar slew his father in
battle, will indeed return. Even up to the War of the Ring, where this
sons descendants will play a significant role as the Corsairs of Umbar,
so yes, they will return with the cruelty of which their father stood
for, terrorising the coasts of Gondor as long as they could. In just a
few words, Marta captures the bitterness of these Southern Dunedain,
feeling proud of their righteous heritage. I loved the parallel to
Ar-Pharazôn, who also usurped the Númenor throne and sailed with black
sails to Valinor. This is a great parallel that suddenly dawned on me
while reading this drabble. You captured his state of mind perfectly in
these 100 words, giving us a great explanantion what drove those
Corsairs all those years. This is a very thought provoking and evoking
drabble, knowing what will come of this!
-----------------------------------
Title: Such an Hour · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 237
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 16:41:29
I like the interlude between these two ficlets. First ST writes about
the blades past and how it rests in a barrow, but the author captured
the moment where everything changed in a very evocative manner. It
really feels as if both the blade and the reader are alerted for what is
to come.

The second drabble impressives me with the action and the envisioning of
war. We as a reader have no choice but to follow the blade as we are
thrown into the battle as well. The blade claims his hour of glory, but
as a reader I sit there for a moment worried if the halfling in question
(Pippin) will survive it. Well I know he does, but ST still gives me the
breathtaking moment where I think: omg, what now. What a great way to
convey this sensation and moment ST! I find it very creative to choose
two perspectives and to write these two drabbles in such a way that they
are each others opposites and yet they are connected. I love your style
and your prose in this work: outstanding!
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry's Magnificent Yule · Author: Marigold · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 211
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-24 20:54:21
I think I missed some things on the first read, but this second read had
me laughing my butt off! Poor Merry missing his Stelly and Pippin ending
up wishing this First Yule would end quickly. I was rolling when Pippin
got a Wet Willy in his ear from Merry and by the time near-sighted Uncle
Dinodas discovered the compromising couple and assumed they were Berilac
and Pimpernel, I had tears of laughter in my eyes. Marigold really is
very talented with writing humour in her tales, and this one takes the
cake in my humble opinion. Everything in this hilarious tale is clearly
and cleverly written and I could easily imagine every movement in my
mind's eye. Pippin really is Merry's best mate and vise versa, and I
always enjoy a good story portraying that fact. Loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Spring Day At Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits · ID: 746
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-24 21:02:11
Oh, this is beautiful. I love Aragorns introspection here as he watches
the dire moments Pippin and Frodo have gone through, but Pippin the
most. Aragorn feels very in the middle here: between the new folk he is
leading now and the halflings who played such an important rule in
reclaiming the throne. The visual of three hobbits sitting on a field
snugly together, while Merry is flying a kite: that is just perfect and
such a contrast with the busy healers who simply cannot phantom why
those four can enjoy such a quiet moment so thoroughly together. This is
a beautiful ficlet, which kind of give you the feeling that Aragorn is
looking back at the past, observes the present, and looks forward to the
future. This is majestically written!
-----------------------------------
Title: Stones · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 571
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-24 21:11:39
Oh, how I LOVE this sweet, sweet story! From Magnificent Merry's acerbic
humour all the way to Pippin discovering his long hidden treasure from a
Journey long ago. Picking up little stones and mementos on a long and
monotonous journey in order to remember a loved one or beloved memory is
very clever of Pippin! Now he will forever remember fishing with
Boromir, the child from a long forgotten town that no one else would
give a thought to, and how much he made his sister smile when he
presented her with the pretty pink stone he saved just for her.
Marigold's Merry and Pippin are such a brilliant pair and I love them both!
-----------------------------------
Title: Elemental Spirits · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 693
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-24 21:27:33
This lovely ficlet is a very well thought out and well written glimpse
into the hearts of our favourite lads before and after the life-changing
Quest each of their souls embarked upon. Marigold marvellously
summarises the impact that journey had on each young hobbit. It was a
complete delight to read--both times, lol. I truly do enjoy such
beautiful and insightful stories.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-24 22:48:59
I just love Dreamflower''s Essay Series on Lord Of The Rings! I not only
appreciate the work of love she pours into each subject, but I also look
at the views of other readers and their ideas. Normally, I don't read
other readers' reviews, but in this series I do for the aforementioned
reason.

In this particular essay of expletives, Dreamflower states her
observances of oaths used by hobbits in stories that she had read in the
fandom. Her views are fact-based and she doesn't condemn. She does try
to illuminate the spirit in which JRR Tolkien wrote his beautiful epic.
I wholly share her views and why, lol, even though I used to be a guilty
party years ago. I had come to the realization that the good Professor
wrote his hobbit-characters with a large enough vocabulary that
expleteives weren't necessary. In addition, I think his hobbits are
characterized as child-like, which, to me, means that use of those "bad"
words would not only tarn their character, but would not reflect the
intelligence they are so well noted for.

This essay is well worth the read if anyone is interested in writing in
the spirit of Tolkien. I highly recommend it--and all of her other
essays, too!
-----------------------------------
Title: When The Days Are Warm · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: The
Steward's Family · ID: 145
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-24 23:33:29
A very sweet vignette of Finduilas and her sons in her last days, as she
holds them close and refuses to be angry with Faramir for pulling up
crocuses by their roots. She promises to go out with them when the
weather is warmer, and I found myself wondering if she was able to do so.

Lovely moment between mother and sons, and a wonderful image to
contemplate, Finduilas drawing both of her children inside her cloak
with her.
-----------------------------------