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Msg# 7694
Reviews for 30 November - part 3 Posted by Rhapsody November 30, 2006 - 14:59:28 Topic ID# 7694Title: Flotsam · Author: Salsify · Times: The Great Years: Vignette · ID: 85
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-27 13:58:52
Very powerful and moving perspective on the cost of war, and how the
innocent often pay dearly in the quest for conquering evil. Merry's
voice is extremely well-written, capturing his character splendidly.
Descriptions are concise and illustrative without being unnecessarily
graphic. I found it realistic that Merry took almost no notice of the
child at the time, that only time and distance allowed the memory to
float to the surface during his dreams.
I especially loved that the author left the questions in this piece
unresolved, just as they are in real life. The Ents and Huorns did what
they could at the time to spare lives, but noone thought about the
slaves in the heat of destruction - could they have been saved, and
Isengard still taken? The half-orc children would probably have turned
out as viscous and blood-thirsty as Merry imagines - but if they had
survived, is right to kill them when they are still innocent of making
that choice?
Brilliant title, conveying layers of meaning in a single word. Really an
excellent, poignant and moving vignette, that tackles some very
difficult and uncomfortable ideas in a clear and uncompromising way.
["Right"] does not always equate to ["good"]; something that we need to
bear in mind especially in today's world.
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-27 19:35:46
Subtle, intricate portrait of a lady of too few words, but an abundance
of heart and veiled emotions. Nice look at dwarf-culture, and the uplift
from the fallout of the Ring War in terms of new projects, work, and
contact with the cultures of Gondor and even Elves.
I liked the non-verbal exchange between Zei and Legolas; that told
volumes without a single word....
-----------------------------------
Title: The First Sip · Author: Glassadar · Races: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin · ID: 985
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-27 22:28:21
Beer and fireworks...I'll bet Merry and Pippin had lots of fun on this
very special occasion! I hope you're still writing, Glassadar!
-----------------------------------
Title: Return Journey to the Mountain · Author: Dínossiel · Races:
Hobbits: Children · ID: 984
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-27 22:30:39
Poor Pippin, I hope he got rid of the leeches! And Merry was right to
ask permission before setting off. Nice work, Dínossiel...keep writing!
-----------------------------------
Title: Two Snippets · Author: Glassadar · Genres: Humor · ID: 983
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-27 22:33:58
Clever Bilbo to save his seed cake from Bombur! And I'm glad Gandalf
showed up...sometimes he doesnt. These are cute snippets, Glassadar!
-----------------------------------
Title: Such an Hour · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 237
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-27 23:42:47
I love the unusual perspective of this story, the pov of Pippin's barrow
blade. The first part gives a wonderful sense of its great age and
history, and I like very much the implication that the blade knows that
it is now in the hands of the one for whom it was ultimately meant.
I also really liked the description of the battle and Pippin's bravery
from the blades pov; the sense of the blade going about its work, doing
what it is meant to do, and that it and Pippin are a team, working
together. I loved that when Pippin stabs the troll that the blade knows
that destiny has been fulfilled - both its own destiny and that of the
small hobbit who wields it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-27 23:48:59
A good view of Fingolfin's last ride. Very moving and poignant look at
one of the biggest tragedies in the Silmarillion (in my opinion). I
could almost see it as it was happening, very rich and vivid details and
flowing writing.
A great start to writing fanfiction Phyncke!
-----------------------------------
Title: Along the Morgai · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 849
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-27 23:53:56
I liked most of all Frodo's thoughts of little Sam, in comparison to Sam
now. That Frodo has seen Sam grow into such a great Hero and is so proud
of his friend is wonderful! In so few words the author gives us a lovely
glimpse into their years of homey everyday (though special) friendship,
and also shows us clearly how that friendship has evolved into something
Great.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birnam Wood · Author: Inkling · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 917
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 00:45:40
A most excellent tale! It was just seamless, a wonderful crossover, and
I could easily imagine it *really* happening, which doesn't happen often
in fanfiction. The language is perfect; I especially enjoyed the old
ent's effort to speak to the boy and the references to Raz and Kali!
Even after all of the passing ages Treebeard still hasn't forgotten
them! A fantastic story, and I loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Lost · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 181
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 00:49:50
It is most satisfactory to think that Boromir might have had the legacy
of a son. I wonder what Merry and Pippin might think if they met Brand
someday!
-----------------------------------
Title: Stronger Songs · Author: Marta · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 688
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:01:02
A really intriguing idea! This is one of those special drabbles that has
the ability to awaken a much larger story in the reader's imagination.
Treebeard's ponderous and unhasty nature is very well depicted here. I
can imagine that after making up his mind to leave for the southern
parts of the forest that it will still take a century or two for him to
actually do so! And that he will spend quite a bit of that time with
Tom, puzzling him out. Excellent drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship · Author: Elana · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 150
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:28:52
Gandalf's 'voice' is wonderfully captured in this. I really liked that
hobbits, such a simple folk, are able to so intrigue a great wizard with
what to them is such an ordinary habit. And that is just the beginning
of the impact that this race will have on him! Such a wonderfully simple
beginning to a friendship that will someday affect the survival of
Middle-earth.
-----------------------------------
Title: Home Again · Author: Súlriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 863
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:31:59
Sulriel really manages to capture the thoughts and personality of a cat
in this drabble! And she paints a very nice description of the
surroundings as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blood Brothers · Author: Elana · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 149
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:37:06
I loved the way that a whole niche of a society is so thoroughly and
perfectly described in this. We get a picture of this warrior and his
mumak across their whole lives, and understand that it is a relationship
that has been duplicated many times over and across many years.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow and flame · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 876
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:39:29
The Balrog has a wonderfully imperious and superior attitude here. The
descriptions were amazing and imparted a real sense of fire and heat.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 01:40:30
How would a new bride react to her husband having violent nightmares?
Even if she thought she was ready for them?
This story looks at how Estella might have reacted to being awakened by
Merry having a particularly nasty dream. She has fled their bed and now
stands at the dark window trying to sort out her feelings while Merry
sits forlornly on the bed, head in hands and in tears.
How will their dilema resolve itself? Read this wonderful story to find out!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Unexpected Guest · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 635
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 02:15:14
One never knows who might pop out of a wardrobe at Great Smials . . .
you might just get to see a lot more of the Thain's heir than you ever
thought you would!
This superb story was written for the Marigold's Challenge for Naked
Hobbit stories and what starts out innocently enough quickly turns
hilarious for some, totally embarrassing for others.
Well Done, Pippinfan!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stars Will Light Your Way · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 705
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-28 02:33:42
Gandalf is probably the only wizard with the ability to call down stars
from the sky and change them into a form that can be held in a hand.
This sounds so far-fetched, but in the universe Slighty Tookish has
created, it works.
This story has it all. It has lovely hurt/comfort, angst and fluff. The
characters are true to the books. I find gruff, caring Gimli especially
endearing.
This is a fine tale, and the star-verse is a pleasant place to visit.
-----------------------------------
Title: THE DAWNING · Author: digdigil · Genres: Drama: First Age Elves ·
ID: 938
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-28 02:34:04
What a wonderful gem about Maedhros. His story is so tragic and seeing
him so soon after his rescue dealing with the loss of his hand, was very
touching. Jenni wrote him very vunerable and in need of some tender
loving care which he got from Amaurea, the handmaiden who encouraged him
to think of life with a new beginning. A challenge that he could easily
meet. Very good story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Once Upon a Memory · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 665
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 02:50:31
A hobbit walking party goes awry when wee Pip falls down a ravine. His
cousins rescue him and then, with Bilbo taking turns as well, carry him
to the nearest town. Years later, something special in Minas Tirith
brings the memory to mind for Merry and Pippin. Another charming
Pippinfan story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry's Graduation · Author: pippinfan88 · Times: Late Third Age:
The Shire · ID: 125
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 03:07:30
A delightful tale of learning at the Great Smials. Everyone, it seems,
has a lesson to learn, adults and children alike. Merry is student
teaching, Pippin is becoming the class clown, Degger is working hard
enough for two hobbit lads, Pervinca is being a girl, Miss Hemlock is
learning to read students and Paladin is learning that even adults need
help when they are tackling new subject matter.
Wonderfully done!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Secret of Dog Lake · Author: Karenator · Races: Elves · ID: 819
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-28 03:15:01
Excellent story-within-a-story. Of course, I loved the framing sequence,
of Haldir telling little Elladan and Elrohir a ghost story in
Lothlorien, but the ghost story held my interest, which not all ghost
stories do.
I liked the warm, good-humored relationship between Galadriel and
Celeborn and Celebrian. I can definitely see Celebrian as Adar's Little
Girl or Elleth or whatever; and a mischief at that. It must have broken
the heart of both Elven-realms to lose her.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 03:43:39
This is just stunning! In this short little piece we are treated to a
wonderful glimpse of how Aragorn became Elessar, of his wide travels and
in depth immersions into other cultures. I liked all of these glimpses
very much, in particular the most humble and warming one, from his own
childhood. That simple beginning really makes how far he has come, shown
us at the end, all the more wonderful.
And the ending was perfect; all of the cares that necessitated his
travelling and hardship have fallen away and he is at last able to be
free and happy and to enjoy the fruits of his labours. It was inspired
to have this last scene take place in Arnor, as it reminds us just how
vast his realm truly is, emphasising to the reader just how much he has
gained from his years of hardship. And the fact that we aren't shown an
actual Midwinter celebration here works wonderfully, indicating that he
is not so constrained now by traditional conventions that must be
observed; what he does is now his choice. I am sure that he will
celebrate with his family, and probably with beancake, but it isn't
necessary that we see this. It is the fact that he is finally happy and
has his heart's desire that is the whole point.
I would have loved to see Aragorn observing a hobbit Yule, but you can't
have everything!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope Eternal · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 930
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 03:50:11
Ouch! Bless Elessar for trying, but these orcs sealed their own fate.
The ending was hard to read but I couldn't imagine anything else could
have been done. A wonderful look at a very difficult situation.
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 04:07:30
I really loved this! Through disapointment after disapointment Aragorn
never loses hope that he will someday see his vision come to pass,
something that really reinforces his well established patience. It was a
nice turnabout that he was the one to recognise Faramir as *his*
Steward, even before Faramir recognises Aragorn as his King.
I liked the mention that Aragorn was more eager to go to Merry and
Eowyn, for of course his first thought would be to heal those that he
actually knew and cared for. I thought that was a nice touch, very
realistic.
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-27 13:58:52
Very powerful and moving perspective on the cost of war, and how the
innocent often pay dearly in the quest for conquering evil. Merry's
voice is extremely well-written, capturing his character splendidly.
Descriptions are concise and illustrative without being unnecessarily
graphic. I found it realistic that Merry took almost no notice of the
child at the time, that only time and distance allowed the memory to
float to the surface during his dreams.
I especially loved that the author left the questions in this piece
unresolved, just as they are in real life. The Ents and Huorns did what
they could at the time to spare lives, but noone thought about the
slaves in the heat of destruction - could they have been saved, and
Isengard still taken? The half-orc children would probably have turned
out as viscous and blood-thirsty as Merry imagines - but if they had
survived, is right to kill them when they are still innocent of making
that choice?
Brilliant title, conveying layers of meaning in a single word. Really an
excellent, poignant and moving vignette, that tackles some very
difficult and uncomfortable ideas in a clear and uncompromising way.
["Right"] does not always equate to ["good"]; something that we need to
bear in mind especially in today's world.
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-27 19:35:46
Subtle, intricate portrait of a lady of too few words, but an abundance
of heart and veiled emotions. Nice look at dwarf-culture, and the uplift
from the fallout of the Ring War in terms of new projects, work, and
contact with the cultures of Gondor and even Elves.
I liked the non-verbal exchange between Zei and Legolas; that told
volumes without a single word....
-----------------------------------
Title: The First Sip · Author: Glassadar · Races: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin · ID: 985
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-27 22:28:21
Beer and fireworks...I'll bet Merry and Pippin had lots of fun on this
very special occasion! I hope you're still writing, Glassadar!
-----------------------------------
Title: Return Journey to the Mountain · Author: Dínossiel · Races:
Hobbits: Children · ID: 984
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-27 22:30:39
Poor Pippin, I hope he got rid of the leeches! And Merry was right to
ask permission before setting off. Nice work, Dínossiel...keep writing!
-----------------------------------
Title: Two Snippets · Author: Glassadar · Genres: Humor · ID: 983
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-27 22:33:58
Clever Bilbo to save his seed cake from Bombur! And I'm glad Gandalf
showed up...sometimes he doesnt. These are cute snippets, Glassadar!
-----------------------------------
Title: Such an Hour · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 237
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-27 23:42:47
I love the unusual perspective of this story, the pov of Pippin's barrow
blade. The first part gives a wonderful sense of its great age and
history, and I like very much the implication that the blade knows that
it is now in the hands of the one for whom it was ultimately meant.
I also really liked the description of the battle and Pippin's bravery
from the blades pov; the sense of the blade going about its work, doing
what it is meant to do, and that it and Pippin are a team, working
together. I loved that when Pippin stabs the troll that the blade knows
that destiny has been fulfilled - both its own destiny and that of the
small hobbit who wields it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-27 23:48:59
A good view of Fingolfin's last ride. Very moving and poignant look at
one of the biggest tragedies in the Silmarillion (in my opinion). I
could almost see it as it was happening, very rich and vivid details and
flowing writing.
A great start to writing fanfiction Phyncke!
-----------------------------------
Title: Along the Morgai · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 849
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-27 23:53:56
I liked most of all Frodo's thoughts of little Sam, in comparison to Sam
now. That Frodo has seen Sam grow into such a great Hero and is so proud
of his friend is wonderful! In so few words the author gives us a lovely
glimpse into their years of homey everyday (though special) friendship,
and also shows us clearly how that friendship has evolved into something
Great.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birnam Wood · Author: Inkling · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 917
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 00:45:40
A most excellent tale! It was just seamless, a wonderful crossover, and
I could easily imagine it *really* happening, which doesn't happen often
in fanfiction. The language is perfect; I especially enjoyed the old
ent's effort to speak to the boy and the references to Raz and Kali!
Even after all of the passing ages Treebeard still hasn't forgotten
them! A fantastic story, and I loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Lost · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 181
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 00:49:50
It is most satisfactory to think that Boromir might have had the legacy
of a son. I wonder what Merry and Pippin might think if they met Brand
someday!
-----------------------------------
Title: Stronger Songs · Author: Marta · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 688
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:01:02
A really intriguing idea! This is one of those special drabbles that has
the ability to awaken a much larger story in the reader's imagination.
Treebeard's ponderous and unhasty nature is very well depicted here. I
can imagine that after making up his mind to leave for the southern
parts of the forest that it will still take a century or two for him to
actually do so! And that he will spend quite a bit of that time with
Tom, puzzling him out. Excellent drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship · Author: Elana · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 150
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:28:52
Gandalf's 'voice' is wonderfully captured in this. I really liked that
hobbits, such a simple folk, are able to so intrigue a great wizard with
what to them is such an ordinary habit. And that is just the beginning
of the impact that this race will have on him! Such a wonderfully simple
beginning to a friendship that will someday affect the survival of
Middle-earth.
-----------------------------------
Title: Home Again · Author: Súlriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 863
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:31:59
Sulriel really manages to capture the thoughts and personality of a cat
in this drabble! And she paints a very nice description of the
surroundings as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blood Brothers · Author: Elana · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 149
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:37:06
I loved the way that a whole niche of a society is so thoroughly and
perfectly described in this. We get a picture of this warrior and his
mumak across their whole lives, and understand that it is a relationship
that has been duplicated many times over and across many years.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow and flame · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 876
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 01:39:29
The Balrog has a wonderfully imperious and superior attitude here. The
descriptions were amazing and imparted a real sense of fire and heat.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 01:40:30
How would a new bride react to her husband having violent nightmares?
Even if she thought she was ready for them?
This story looks at how Estella might have reacted to being awakened by
Merry having a particularly nasty dream. She has fled their bed and now
stands at the dark window trying to sort out her feelings while Merry
sits forlornly on the bed, head in hands and in tears.
How will their dilema resolve itself? Read this wonderful story to find out!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Unexpected Guest · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 635
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 02:15:14
One never knows who might pop out of a wardrobe at Great Smials . . .
you might just get to see a lot more of the Thain's heir than you ever
thought you would!
This superb story was written for the Marigold's Challenge for Naked
Hobbit stories and what starts out innocently enough quickly turns
hilarious for some, totally embarrassing for others.
Well Done, Pippinfan!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stars Will Light Your Way · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 705
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-28 02:33:42
Gandalf is probably the only wizard with the ability to call down stars
from the sky and change them into a form that can be held in a hand.
This sounds so far-fetched, but in the universe Slighty Tookish has
created, it works.
This story has it all. It has lovely hurt/comfort, angst and fluff. The
characters are true to the books. I find gruff, caring Gimli especially
endearing.
This is a fine tale, and the star-verse is a pleasant place to visit.
-----------------------------------
Title: THE DAWNING · Author: digdigil · Genres: Drama: First Age Elves ·
ID: 938
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-28 02:34:04
What a wonderful gem about Maedhros. His story is so tragic and seeing
him so soon after his rescue dealing with the loss of his hand, was very
touching. Jenni wrote him very vunerable and in need of some tender
loving care which he got from Amaurea, the handmaiden who encouraged him
to think of life with a new beginning. A challenge that he could easily
meet. Very good story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Once Upon a Memory · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 665
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 02:50:31
A hobbit walking party goes awry when wee Pip falls down a ravine. His
cousins rescue him and then, with Bilbo taking turns as well, carry him
to the nearest town. Years later, something special in Minas Tirith
brings the memory to mind for Merry and Pippin. Another charming
Pippinfan story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry's Graduation · Author: pippinfan88 · Times: Late Third Age:
The Shire · ID: 125
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-11-28 03:07:30
A delightful tale of learning at the Great Smials. Everyone, it seems,
has a lesson to learn, adults and children alike. Merry is student
teaching, Pippin is becoming the class clown, Degger is working hard
enough for two hobbit lads, Pervinca is being a girl, Miss Hemlock is
learning to read students and Paladin is learning that even adults need
help when they are tackling new subject matter.
Wonderfully done!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Secret of Dog Lake · Author: Karenator · Races: Elves · ID: 819
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-28 03:15:01
Excellent story-within-a-story. Of course, I loved the framing sequence,
of Haldir telling little Elladan and Elrohir a ghost story in
Lothlorien, but the ghost story held my interest, which not all ghost
stories do.
I liked the warm, good-humored relationship between Galadriel and
Celeborn and Celebrian. I can definitely see Celebrian as Adar's Little
Girl or Elleth or whatever; and a mischief at that. It must have broken
the heart of both Elven-realms to lose her.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 03:43:39
This is just stunning! In this short little piece we are treated to a
wonderful glimpse of how Aragorn became Elessar, of his wide travels and
in depth immersions into other cultures. I liked all of these glimpses
very much, in particular the most humble and warming one, from his own
childhood. That simple beginning really makes how far he has come, shown
us at the end, all the more wonderful.
And the ending was perfect; all of the cares that necessitated his
travelling and hardship have fallen away and he is at last able to be
free and happy and to enjoy the fruits of his labours. It was inspired
to have this last scene take place in Arnor, as it reminds us just how
vast his realm truly is, emphasising to the reader just how much he has
gained from his years of hardship. And the fact that we aren't shown an
actual Midwinter celebration here works wonderfully, indicating that he
is not so constrained now by traditional conventions that must be
observed; what he does is now his choice. I am sure that he will
celebrate with his family, and probably with beancake, but it isn't
necessary that we see this. It is the fact that he is finally happy and
has his heart's desire that is the whole point.
I would have loved to see Aragorn observing a hobbit Yule, but you can't
have everything!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope Eternal · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 930
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 03:50:11
Ouch! Bless Elessar for trying, but these orcs sealed their own fate.
The ending was hard to read but I couldn't imagine anything else could
have been done. A wonderful look at a very difficult situation.
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-28 04:07:30
I really loved this! Through disapointment after disapointment Aragorn
never loses hope that he will someday see his vision come to pass,
something that really reinforces his well established patience. It was a
nice turnabout that he was the one to recognise Faramir as *his*
Steward, even before Faramir recognises Aragorn as his King.
I liked the mention that Aragorn was more eager to go to Merry and
Eowyn, for of course his first thought would be to heal those that he
actually knew and cared for. I thought that was a nice touch, very
realistic.
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