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I've seen a very few stories that attempt to give Gandalf a romantic
interest. They are usually well-written, and I can see how it might
happen, but there's an essential something that's missing  intuition,
I guess, whatever it is that makes you go, "Aha, so that's how it
works!" Juno's story supplies me with that "Aha!" moment.

Juno's writing is strong, and features her usual story-within-a-story
frame, the narrator speaking directly to the reader to frame the
locale, the history, put the question in the reader's mind, invite the
reader in. And then she switches to her primary character, who tells
the rest  Juno has that enviable gift of telling a fully lived out
life in just a few words. She doesn't need many, for all are well
chosen. One gets a strong sense of the isolation of Himling, of its
being a waymarker, a boundary stone (not just having one)  it stands
on the borders between myth and reality, permanently linked to
legendary Himring, between one world and the next. It is a place where
a wizard does not simply come, but in some way dwells, on the border of
any map of Middle-earth, forgotten and forgetting, and imbued with its
own curious remembrances.

Tamer's acceptance of her place in the life of this tiny society, and
her devotion to her master, the Grey Wizard who occasionally comes for
a respite from carrying the rest of the world's burdens on his
shoulders, is well-portrayed. We watch her fall in love in a way that
makes sense in the context of her life, and requires no questions nor
any extraneous declarations of love or the sorts of courtly romantic
episodes one often sees deployed in romance stories.

Gandalf's reactions, too, make sense, and I love the ending  the way
in which Gandalf has to sacrifice something for a love he will never be
able to settle into. Juno gives an explanation in author's notes of
what is at stake, and what this episode in his life could mean in terms
of canonical events, but really, it isn't needed. The story makes sense
on its own terms, and I think the thing that cements it for me is that
Gandalf does not fall in love with someone who is like him, or with
someone who is classically beautiful, or one of the Eldar  in some
sense, they are too much akin. Gandalf is attracted and bound
eventually to that which is different from him  he goes out of himself
quite literally here, becoming something that no other of his kind has
been  save, perhaps, Melian. And so he is able to understand, not just
know, human love and human grief in a way that no other Istari ever
shall.

Beautiful story, Juno, and beautifully told. I'd recommend this to any
Tolkien fan.

Title: And Not To Yield · Author: Lady Marshy · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 117
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-07-10 02:47:58
Dark, terrifying, brutal  I've never read anything quite like this
story. Faramir and Eomer together have led the last small bands of
Rangers and Rohirrim fighting against those who wield the Ring. These
two, the only survivors of the bloody siege in the far recesses of
Henneth Annun, have been captured and brutalized, and are now awaiting
execution. This tale chronicles their last days, their steadfast
loyalty and devotion to each other and to the memory of those who have
already given their lives for the honor of Rohan and Gondor, and the
impact of their courage upon those around them.

Some imagery has been drawn from historic accounts of the Fourth Age
(the execution of Charles I, the actions of Resistance fighters
imprisoned during World War II) and skillfully integrated into the
story. The slash elements are understated: this is far, far more that a
tale of desperate, anguished men seeking solace and brief escape from
the dire situation they share. It is clear that their devotion to each
other transcends the physical nature of their relationship, allowing
each of them to face death with unblemished honor and dignity.

The startling conclusion left me shaking with shock. An absolutely
unique and riveting tale that readers will long remember.

Title: Strange Stars · Author: Jael · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 120
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-10 13:09:15
I didn't quite know what to expect when I started this story. Legolas
going to Harad as a courtesan? The premise seemed preposterous and
totally outlandish. This story could have been a farce, but while it
has it's humorous moments, the overall tone is more serious. The story
drew me right in. Through Legolas' mission at the court of King
Khorlai, the reader gets to know the members of the kings household and
through them the cost of the war for the Haradrim. Legolas has to do
some quick thinking to pull off his role without sacrificing his
dignity, and he is put to the test for how much he is willing to do for
Elessar's sake. I loved his first encounter with the king's sister who
had some very surprising ideas of how to spend an afternoon with the
new bethnaru.

Title: The spaces between two silences · Author: illyria-pffyffin ·
Genres: Drama: With Aragorn · ID: 677
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2007-07-10 20:55:21
Stories about Arwen Undómiel are increasingly rare in this fandom, and
I appreciate each (really good) one I'm able to find from the bottom of
my heart. This one is a pure jewel. Illyria has always been able to
paint pictures in lush colors with her words, and this is a fine
example. When she describes the wedding ceremony of the King and Queen
of Gondor, her imagery is intoxicating:

[The ladies of Khand lined the path for some distance, waving their
arms and stamping their feet so that their bangles and ankle bracelets
jingled like a hundred rattles, their shrill ululation drowning out the
music. Southron fire dancers and knife dancers leapt onto the street
before us, tossing and twirling their torches and daggers in a wild,
whirling dance to the alarmed and awed shrieks of the spectators, then
retreated, bowing deeply when we rolled past.]

Before the reader's eyes unfolds the tapestry of a deep and unerring
love, embracing the present and enduring even the bitter consequences
of the decisions a man and a woman once made. And Arwen won't regret
her choice, even in her darkest hour:

[Here my Estel walked forever. I could see him, young and grave and
beautiful, walking among the trees. I could hear his voice, his
laughter, his tales, his songs, hidden like treasures in the gurgling
of the springs and the sighs of the breeze. If I closed my eyes I could
feel his hand wrapped around mine, a warriors hand, a healers hand, a
lovers.]

This is marvelous, nearly poetic storytelling... and a tale that moves
the heart and soul.

Title: Rock and Hawk · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 221
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:05:32
Adaneth brings to bear a wealth of research into a way of life that
frankly, I can only look at from the outside and imitate. She gives a
strong sense of the world her characters inhabit, and their
relationship with it, which has the happy effect of placing the reader
in a fictional space that immediately has its own feel, its own unique
image, and a sense of solidity  of its having its own rules.
Subcreation, anyone?

With the sea and its nearby shore all washing around the reader's
imagination, we then meet the characters, and begin to see the
unfolding of a fascinating encounter not only between the sexes, but
between different races. The Dwarvish point of view, shown primarily
through the Dwarf Veylin in his interactions with Men and his own
people, is a difficult one to write well, I find, but Adaneth does it
effortlessly (or so it seems; the measure of the author's skill is that
it always looks effortless when done well). One falls into the Dwarven
world and discovers that it is not quite like ours, and the differences
grow more pronounced as we get a better feel for the Dwarves.

Saelon, our primary human touchstone, is also well-portrayed, given a
strong personality against which the Dwarven characters can come up and
interact. Her isolation from her own people, her independence as a
woman, and especially as a woman of the Dúnedain, living in their
decline, makes her quite singular and startling. Yet she fits with the
sea and shore that she loves, thereby providing many opportunities for
those less rooted in it to grate against her.

The force that brings the Dwarves and Saelon together is a set of
mysterious creatures  fiends or demons, who knows?  that no one can
seem to kill, and which become progressively bolder as time goes on.
This is a threat that seems a cross between the Grendel of Beowulf and
the legendary Beast of Gévaudan: it dismembers what it kills, preying
upon the outliers of settlements and their animals at first, taking
victims without warning and often leaving no traces behind. As time
wears on, they eventually attack houses, driving the people of Srethan
Brethil, Saelon's original home, right onto the doorstep of her
isolated sea-cave, where she is thrown into the role of Lady and
liege-lord all at once.

By the end of the story, the beasts still remain at large  the need
for vengeance among both Men and Dwarves remains strong, but it has
also become a more real possibility, due in large part to the slow
growth of something like friendship between Saelon and Veylin. They do
not fully understand each other, but they do respect each other and the
distance between them, as well as the possibility of a more substantial
set of ties. Time and another story will tell whether vengeance is
claimed and a neighborly relationship achieved, and I quite look
forward to it.

Highly recommended reading for anyone with any interest in Tolkien's
Middle-earth. Well, well done, Adaneth!

Title: A Mother's Touch · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:22:17
Smaug and his mother  what a pair! The image of fearsome Smaug as a
pink-and-white-scaled wriggling little wyrm who plays in the mud is,
quite frankly, hysterical. I think, however, that my favorite
incongruous 'image' is this:

["Mama, I'm back," chirped her son]

Dragons chirping. Like sparrows, maybe? I love it, and it makes me
smile every time, thinking of Smaug as chirping.

Title: Inroads · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 45
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:31:32
Eowyn in the Fourth Age is something of an enigma  we all wonder, can
the shield-maiden really become a gardener, healer, and consummate
diplomat? War is so much simpler in many ways, when the solution is the
simple elimination of whoever stands in your path.

Raksha takes on one aspect of this question in this short ficlet,
showing the trials and tribulations of being unable to confront the
enemy head on and offer no other terms than death or surrender. The
ladies of Minas Tirith, defeated in the matrimonial game by Eowyn's
capture of Faramir, are not all gracious losers. Nor do they forget
that she isn't one of them.

It takes a young girl with heart but no falsity to break the strain of
the evening and remind some of the resentful ones that Eowyn has, after
all, earned her joy and is worthy of respect.

Title: A Useful Skill · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children ·
ID: 46
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:40:51
Ok, I admit it, this one just makes me go "Awwwww!"

I love the father-son dynamic here  Denethor, usually so very on top
of matters, gets to do a classic double take:

[Faramir, not surprisingly, was sitting on one of the couches, his head
bent low over a 

Denethor blinked, sure he must be mistaken. But he was not; it was no
book which held Faramir's attention, it was a sock.]

Surprise, and confusion, plus a confrontation with boundless, innocent
childish enthusiasm, have him a bit set back on his heels. This, alas,
comes off as irritation with Faramir, who, in the manner of young
children, senses that he has somehow offended the Order Of Things, but
isn't sure how or why his newfound abilities rouse paternal wrath.

Fortunately, Denethor does back down, after getting a reminder that
even for the highly born, soldiering demands the ability to take care
of one's own things. Nanny, Faramir's teacher in this as in other
matters, gets a brief appearance and is understandably slightly
flustered to find Denethor presiding over his son's efforts. That
Denethor finds her relief amusing is telling of his rather imposing
personality  a comic but revealing end to the ficlet.

Title: A Thankless Task · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama: Youth ·
ID: 49
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:51:03
& and this one makes me smirk slightly and imagine a very nasty road
for Boromir to tramp upon, which would require the mending of many an
article of clothing.

Boromir's efforts to get Faramir to sympathize with him, or else to
agree to do his sewing for him, are typically elder-brotherly, when
brothers discover what their siblings are for (the doing of the chores
they don't want to do themselves). Faramir's willingness to stand up to
his brother, whom he adores, and argue with him, suggests he ought to
be able to do so with his father  a subject that is briefly discussed,
though only as a hypothetical possibility at this point.

Alas, we know that when it counts, he isn't able to do it  he'll still
ride out to defend Pelennor, and without having challenged Denethor's
will about it. That casts a shadow over an otherwise light-hearted
story.

Title: Sunshine and Roses · Author: shirelinghpc · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 531
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2007-07-11 22:28:02
A very sweet and touching story of how the hobbits and other walkers
spent their time in Minas Tirith. It could probably benefit from a beta
for mechanics (things like sentence fragments and punctuation, for
example), but the underlying gap-filling is excellent. I enjoyed it
very much.

Title: The End of Dark Days · Author: annmarwalk/EdorasLass CoAuthors ·
Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith · ID: 56
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 22:59:43
The heroines of Ann and EdorasLass finally get a story together, it
seems. Despite the slight sense of jarring to find that everyone
including her friends calls Nanny "Nanny", it is a lovely little set of
scenes, as Nanny and her girls return to Minas Tirith to discover what
has become of her menfolk and, of course, Faramir.

And while I really should have seen it coming, the only
half-acknowledged tale of just how Denethor died, and how close he came
to taking Faramir with him, was appropriately shocking when seen
through Nanny's perspective  Nanny, who had no idea of what was
waiting for her in the cryptic hints of strange happenings where 'her
rabbit' is concerned.

A mix of mourning and remembrance and laughter, all laced with a strong
undercurrent of nervous exhaustion, gives this a tone appropriate to
the circumstances. An enjoyable read  well done, both of you!

Title: Better Days Ahead · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 51
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 23:00:10
Shagrat gets a voice in this little ficlet, and a very orcish voice it
is, one part arrogance and bravada, another part lusting after ghoulish
fantasy that would certainly have consequences in the world should they
manage to carry out their 'plans.' Apparently, Shagrat has either heard
of Saruman's experiments in Uruk-hai eugenics, or else something
similar was going on in Mordor, and they mean to continue it. In either
case, ew.

Nevertheless, for an orc, it is at least a vision, even if one that no
one really wants to contemplate except other orcs. Rape and murder,
terrorism and human trafficking are nothing new in the world,
unfortunately, and if anyone would think of them as an escape from
trouble and way to rise in the world while taking revenge on their
enemies, well, orcs would certainly be the ones to think of it!

Title: Measures of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 50
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 23:00:41
One of the interesting things about couples like Faramir and Eowyn or
Aragorn and Arwen is the different rate of aging. Raksha takes up this
theme, and the pains it imposes on the partner who ages more swiftly,
in this case Eowyn.

Jealousy can become a problem  jealousy, and nostalgia, which can sour
a relationship. It requires much more sensitivity on the part of the
younger (or more youth-ful) partner to handle the way in which time,
flowing differently for each in a radical way, does not enable them to
share certain things at the same time, and seems to make them in some
way unsuited to each other.

Faramir is in this instance able, by force of sincerity unmarred by the
slightest hesitation, to help Eowyn forget the difference in vigor
between them, and to feel loved and desirable rather than a burden.
It's a sweet little vignette, and I am sure fans of Faramir and Eowyn
will enjoy it.

Title: Getting Away from it All · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 63
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 23:37:02
Everyone has to take a little time off, even if that time is in between
allowing the plots of courtly enemies to ripen to the point where they
become vulnerable to one's own counterplotting.

I like the lazy, bantering tone of this, although there is one point
where the swing to the serious seems to come out of nowhere. Otherwise,
however, an enjoyable day off for the king and queen, prince and
princess!

Title: Keeper of the Jewels · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Adventure:
Minas Tirith · ID: 64
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-12 03:46:54
There must surely have been some in Gondor who were less than pleased
that there was a claimant to the throne after all, and perhaps even a
few who would take that displeasure further than opposition in council
rooms. Cuthalion sets up a plausible scenario in the Prince of Lebennin
and in his meek, desperate daughter, Artanis.

One suspects that the flaw in the Prince of Lebennin's plan will be the
way he treats his daughter, and in fact, that is the case. This allows
poor Sam to be rescued before his captors can dispose of him along with
Aragorn. It also allows for the redemption of Artanis.

I like the depiction of the relationships among the hobbits, and
between them and Aragorn, and loved that Ioreth got a few moments of
triumph, even if only in a recounting. A quick, enjoyable read.

Title: Foreign Ways · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 54
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-12 04:02:22
Mag the cook is indeed a cook at heart, willing to taste-test anything.
And also, an apparently adventuresome young woman once upon a time,
willing to be lured into taverns by strange blond strangers with no
Westron who want to stand her and her best friend drinks. It all turns
out well, however, and Mag gets to add another few culinary items to
her list of enjoyable things to eat.

Eowyn, newly arrived from Rohan, and eager to accustom her Gondorian
staff to Rohirric fare provides an entertaining reminder to Mag of that
earlier encounter, which Mag handles with grace and a bit of a white
lie, but Eowyn is delighted with her enthusiasm. Plus, Mag can now
enjoy certain Rohirric delicacies once again, secure in the new
knowledge of how to make them herself, thanks to Eowyn. A cute bit of
cross-cultural interaction, Ann!

Title: Sea Food · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 53
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-12 04:02:47
This reminds me of the old sea food diet joke  see food, eat it.
Except this time, it actually works the other way around: see food,
don't eat it.

Young Boromir and Faramir show themselves to be still on the sensitive
side when it comes to the difference between what is served on the
table and what they have to catch for themselves. The crabs got lucky
this time, though Boromir's last comment shows the truth of the old
'out of sight, out of mind' (and conscience) truism. Cute story!

Title: Behind Every Great Man... · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid
Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 52
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 02:09:14
Oh dear! I can sympathize with Denethor in his floral confusion 
telling flowers apart has never been a strong point, I'm mostly content
just to look at them and admire. But Mormegil makes such an effort to
make Denethor look good, even to the extent of signing Denethor's name
to the inquiry as to Finduilas's favorite flowers, that now the poor
bridegroom will have to keep track of flower names when clearly he's
already somewhat flustered. An amusing ficlet!

Title: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines · Author: Fiondil · Genres:
Drama · ID: 76
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:15:54
Fiondil draws out clearly what Boromir's failure can and does in the
end help to facilitate, when perhaps nothing less would have done to
set things on a path where there was hope of victory. I liked the
calmness of the hall, and Boromir's initial reactions to Mandos  both
nicely detached, and the latter also amusing. Maybe a touch too calm
for me in the end, but then, I like the turbulence of Boromir's
character and find him to be most interesting when he's at crisis
points. It's a nicely written story, though, and those wanting
redemption for Boromir will surely appreciate it.

Title: Golfing Fever · Author: lbilover · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 75
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:20:18
I admit that I had a serious moment of hesitation over this story. In
the first place, while I enjoy well-written fanfic, usually my
interests run towards other areas in Eriador (ones with Rangers in
them, more precisely). In the second, however, and more importantly: I
HATE golf. I do not see the point. At all. I am very much with
Ibilover's Bilbo on this one.

But I did end up reading it, and was hooked from the first chapter.
This one goes up with Daffodil's story about soccer-playing hobbits  a
hysterical, sexy combination that you never saw coming. Given my hatred
of golf, I found myself quite in accord with Frodo: who knew that
golfing terminology so leant itself to innuendo? Ibilover does not miss
an opportunity, or at least, I couldn't spy one she didn't pounce on,
but it never feels overdone, has a light, humorous touch, and the story
goes quickly, with the reader chortling and shaking her head all the
way.

Sam's apparently single-minded focus on golf is a source of much ironic
humor throughout, as is Frodo's running distracted commentary on the
joys of golfing (with Sam), and in the end, we discover that turnabout
is most definitely fair play. Merry makes for a funny interlude  I was
glad to see him, and his wicked sense of golfing style trotted out for
the occasion of his cousin's mysterious demands.

So thank you, Ibilover, for your careful interrogation of your father 
I appreciated it! Give this one a chance if you're into amusing,
light-hearted romantic comedy, even if you absolutely despise the game
of golf.

Title: The Captain and the King · Author: plasticChevy · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 738
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-14 03:25:32
This absolutely boggles my mind that this tale has not been nominated
before this. I went to the log from previous tales - and lo and behold
- it was not there. Imagine my joy to think that I, undeserving lover
of Boromir and plasticChevy's wondrous tales, am able to nominate this
glorious story.

I usually don't read AU's - but this one grabbed at my heart and held
it - I have read it at least five times and not once, not once, have I
been disappointed. Even though I know what is going to happen next... I
am still on tenter-hooks waiting, biting my nails. Never have I found
such a touching, heart-wrenching, tension-filled, angst-overflowing,
wondrous tale of what might have been. The premise was perfect and
believable.

I don't think one moment went by that I did not have my heart in my
throat as PC took these two wonderful, stalwart men through terrors and
trials unimaginable. Their growing friendship and love was just a
delight to read. Their courage and fortitude exemplary.

The characters are all true to Tolkien's world - Aragorn is perfect as
King, Boromir is absolutely gorgeous as Steward, and those in the
perifery are splendid.

I absolutely adore this story! I do not even have the words to say how
much I love this tale. Thank you, PC, for sharing this monumentous
work.

Title: Geometry · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID:
80
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:28:28
A brief, poignant representation of Denethor and Faramir, after
Boromir's death. The childhood image of a clumsy, lopsided triangle,
points for people joined together, is undone and one can imagine the
gaping division between Faramir and his father quite clearly.

Title: The Steward's Tale · Author: plasticChevy · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 739
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-14 03:35:16
From the moment this tale opens with Boromir and Faramir working out,
my heart was taken by this story. I loved the brothers' interaction. I
loved Gil's place in this.

My heart went out to the little creature that has so been so profoundly
touched by the erstwhile Steward of Gondor. I love how she must work so
diligently to earn the respect of those around her. I love the group of
'spies' that she pulls together so that her lord, her Steward and his
King are protected. - Ah! It's a great tale - and well-written too!

Oh! and the pictures are awesome too!

As for Boromir and Aragorn - the friendship that grew in her previous
tale, The Captain and the King, is even stronger and purer... if such
could be the case. The two of them have grown into a fiercesome duo -
fighting for Gondor against all who would harm her.

And there are those there - besides the known Orcs and such - the inner
terror that tries to rules the halls of Minas Tirith are potent and
nasty.

Boromir's captivity is horrid... and his dearest servant and faithful
companion, Borlas is so sweet...

Incredible tale - I sit and wait for each installment. Thank you!

Title: Free and Gay · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 81
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:35:27
Ah, poor Boromir, prisoner to the covetous looks of the ambitious
mothers of Minas Tirith! Very understated slashiness, and the brotherly
banter was fun. Faramir has no idea of what awaits him, once the ladies
of the court begin to notice him. Boromir does, and finds more than one
reason to wish to spend Yule in the field, in the company of soldiers
and such celebrations as they can arrange for themselves.

Title: The Rose in the Courtyard · Author: claudia6032000 · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 560
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-07-14 19:31:41
Damrod finds Frodo contemplating the single blooming rose in the
gardens of the Houses of Healing and finds each wonderful, and begs the
Ringbearer's pardon for possible rough treatment in Ithilien.

Some slight grammatical errors, but a pleasing story.

Ann,

The header info for the first review here is missing. What story is it and
who reviewed it?
Thanks!

Vorondavý ar linalmiý,
Rhyselle

Fantasy remains a human right: we make in our measure and in our derivative
mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and
likeness of a Maker. -- J.R.R. Tolkien, On Fairy-Stories, 1939

On 10/3/07, Ann Walker <ann@marwalk.com> wrote:
>
> I've seen a very few stories that attempt to give Gandalf a romantic
> interest. They are usually well-written, and I can see how it might
> happen, but there's an essential something that's missing ý intuition,
> I guess, whatever it is that makes you go, "Aha, so that's how it
> works!" Juno's story supplies me with that "Aha!" moment.
>
> Juno's writing is strong, and features her usual story-within-a-story
> frame, the narrator speaking directly to the reader to frame the
> locale, the history, put the question in the reader's mind, invite the
> reader in. And then she switches to her primary character, who tells
> the rest ý Juno has that enviable gift of telling a fully lived out
> life in just a few words. She doesn't need many, for all are well
> chosen. One gets a strong sense of the isolation of Himling, of its
> being a waymarker, a boundary stone (not just having one) ý it stands
> on the borders between myth and reality, permanently linked to
> legendary Himring, between one world and the next. It is a place where
> a wizard does not simply come, but in some way dwells, on the border of
> any map of Middle-earth, forgotten and forgetting, and imbued with its
> own curious remembrances.
>
> Tamer's acceptance of her place in the life of this tiny society, and
> her devotion to her master, the Grey Wizard who occasionally comes for
> a respite from carrying the rest of the world's burdens on his
> shoulders, is well-portrayed. We watch her fall in love in a way that
> makes sense in the context of her life, and requires no questions nor
> any extraneous declarations of love or the sorts of courtly romantic
> episodes one often sees deployed in romance stories.
>
> Gandalf's reactions, too, make sense, and I love the ending ý the way
> in which Gandalf has to sacrifice something for a love he will never be
> able to settle into. Juno gives an explanation in author's notes of
> what is at stake, and what this episode in his life could mean in terms
> of canonical events, but really, it isn't needed. The story makes sense
> on its own terms, and I think the thing that cements it for me is that
> Gandalf does not fall in love with someone who is like him, or with
> someone who is classically beautiful, or one of the Eldar ý in some
> sense, they are too much akin. Gandalf is attracted and bound
> eventually to that which is different from him ý he goes out of himself
> quite literally here, becoming something that no other of his kind has
> been ý save, perhaps, Melian. And so he is able to understand, not just
> know, human love and human grief in a way that no other Istari ever
> shall.
>
> Beautiful story, Juno, and beautifully told. I'd recommend this to any
> Tolkien fan.
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

What is the name of this story?

Tari
In a message dated 10/3/2007 6:20:46 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
ann@marwalk.com writes:

I've seen a very few stories that attempt to give Gandalf a romantic
interest. They are usually well-written, and I can see how it might
happen, but there's an essential something that's missing  intuition,
I guess, whatever it is that makes you go, "Aha, so that's how it
works!" Juno's story supplies me with that "Aha!" moment.

Juno's writing is strong, and features her usual story-within-a-story
frame, the narrator speaking directly to the reader to frame the
locale, the history, put the question in the reader's mind, invite the
reader in. And then she switches to her primary character, who tells
the rest  Juno has that enviable gift of telling a fully lived out
life in just a few words. She doesn't need many, for all are well
chosen. One gets a strong sense of the isolation of Himling, of its
being a waymarker, a boundary stone (not just having one)  it stands
on the borders between myth and reality, permanently linked to
legendary Himring, between one world and the next. It is a place where
a wizard does not simply come, but in some way dwells, on the border of
any map of Middle-earth, forgotten and forgetting, and imbued with its
own curious remembrances.

Tamer's acceptance of her place in the life of this tiny society, and
her devotion to her master, the Grey Wizard who occasionally comes for
a respite from carrying the rest of the world's burdens on his
shoulders, is well-portrayed. We watch her fall in love in a way that
makes sense in the context of her life, and requires no questions nor
any extraneous declarations of love or the sorts of courtly romantic
episodes one often sees deployed in romance stories.

Gandalf's reactions, too, make sense, and I love the ending  the way
in which Gandalf has to sacrifice something for a love he will never be
able to settle into. Juno gives an explanation in author's notes of
what is at stake, and what this episode in his life could mean in terms
of canonical events, but really, it isn't needed. The story makes sense
on its own terms, and I think the thing that cements it for me is that
Gandalf does not fall in love with someone who is like him, or with
someone who is classically beautiful, or one of the Eldar  in some
sense, they are too much akin. Gandalf is attracted and bound
eventually to that which is different from him  he goes out of himself
quite literally here, becoming something that no other of his kind has
been  save, perhaps, Melian. And so he is able to understand, not just
know, human love and human grief in a way that no other Istari ever
shall.

Beautiful story, Juno, and beautifully told. I'd recommend this to any
Tolkien fan.

Title: And Not To Yield · Author: Lady Marshy · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 117
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-07-10 02:47:58
Dark, terrifying, brutal  I've never read anything quite like this
story. Faramir and Eomer together have led the last small bands of
Rangers and Rohirrim fighting against those who wield the Ring. These
two, the only survivors of the bloody siege in the far recesses of
Henneth Annun, have been captured and brutalized, and are now awaiting
execution. This tale chronicles their last days, their steadfast
loyalty and devotion to each other and to the memory of those who have
already given their lives for the honor of Rohan and Gondor, and the
impact of their courage upon those around them.

Some imagery has been drawn from historic accounts of the Fourth Age
(the execution of Charles I, the actions of Resistance fighters
imprisoned during World War II) and skillfully integrated into the
story. The slash elements are understated: this is far, far more that a
tale of desperate, anguished men seeking solace and brief escape from
the dire situation they share. It is clear that their devotion to each
other transcends the physical nature of their relationship, allowing
each of them to face death with unblemished honor and dignity.

The startling conclusion left me shaking with shock. An absolutely
unique and riveting tale that readers will long remember.

Title: Strange Stars · Author: Jael · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 120
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-10 13:09:15
I didn't quite know what to expect when I started this story. Legolas
going to Harad as a courtesan? The premise seemed preposterous and
totally outlandish. This story could have been a farce, but while it
has it's humorous moments, the overall tone is more serious. The story
drew me right in. Through Legolas' mission at the court of King
Khorlai, the reader gets to know the members of the kings household and
through them the cost of the war for the Haradrim. Legolas has to do
some quick thinking to pull off his role without sacrificing his
dignity, and he is put to the test for how much he is willing to do for
Elessar's sake. I loved his first encounter with the king's sister who
had some very surprising ideas of how to spend an afternoon with the
new bethnaru.

Title: The spaces between two silences · Author: illyria-pffyffin ·
Genres: Drama: With Aragorn · ID: 677
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2007-07-10 20:55:21
Stories about Arwen Undómiel are increasingly rare in this fandom, and
I appreciate each (really good) one I'm able to find from the bottom of
my heart. This one is a pure jewel. Illyria has always been able to
paint pictures in lush colors with her words, and this is a fine
example. When she describes the wedding ceremony of the King and Queen
of Gondor, her imagery is intoxicating:

[The ladies of Khand lined the path for some distance, waving their
arms and stamping their feet so that their bangles and ankle bracelets
jingled like a hundred rattles, their shrill ululation drowning out the
music. Southron fire dancers and knife dancers leapt onto the street
before us, tossing and twirling their torches and daggers in a wild,
whirling dance to the alarmed and awed shrieks of the spectators, then
retreated, bowing deeply when we rolled past.]

Before the reader's eyes unfolds the tapestry of a deep and unerring
love, embracing the present and enduring even the bitter consequences
of the decisions a man and a woman once made. And Arwen won't regret
her choice, even in her darkest hour:

[Here my Estel walked forever. I could see him, young and grave and
beautiful, walking among the trees. I could hear his voice, his
laughter, his tales, his songs, hidden like treasures in the gurgling
of the springs and the sighs of the breeze. If I closed my eyes I could
feel his hand wrapped around mine, a warriors hand, a healers hand, a
lovers.]

This is marvelous, nearly poetic storytelling... and a tale that moves
the heart and soul.

Title: Rock and Hawk · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 221
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:05:32
Adaneth brings to bear a wealth of research into a way of life that
frankly, I can only look at from the outside and imitate. She gives a
strong sense of the world her characters inhabit, and their
relationship with it, which has the happy effect of placing the reader
in a fictional space that immediately has its own feel, its own unique
image, and a sense of solidity  of its having its own rules.
Subcreation, anyone?

With the sea and its nearby shore all washing around the reader's
imagination, we then meet the characters, and begin to see the
unfolding of a fascinating encounter not only between the sexes, but
between different races. The Dwarvish point of view, shown primarily
through the Dwarf Veylin in his interactions with Men and his own
people, is a difficult one to write well, I find, but Adaneth does it
effortlessly (or so it seems; the measure of the author's skill is that
it always looks effortless when done well). One falls into the Dwarven
world and discovers that it is not quite like ours, and the differences
grow more pronounced as we get a better feel for the Dwarves.

Saelon, our primary human touchstone, is also well-portrayed, given a
strong personality against which the Dwarven characters can come up and
interact. Her isolation from her own people, her independence as a
woman, and especially as a woman of the Dúnedain, living in their
decline, makes her quite singular and startling. Yet she fits with the
sea and shore that she loves, thereby providing many opportunities for
those less rooted in it to grate against her.

The force that brings the Dwarves and Saelon together is a set of
mysterious creatures  fiends or demons, who knows?  that no one can
seem to kill, and which become progressively bolder as time goes on.
This is a threat that seems a cross between the Grendel of Beowulf and
the legendary Beast of Gévaudan: it dismembers what it kills, preying
upon the outliers of settlements and their animals at first, taking
victims without warning and often leaving no traces behind. As time
wears on, they eventually attack houses, driving the people of Srethan
Brethil, Saelon's original home, right onto the doorstep of her
isolated sea-cave, where she is thrown into the role of Lady and
liege-lord all at once.

By the end of the story, the beasts still remain at large  the need
for vengeance among both Men and Dwarves remains strong, but it has
also become a more real possibility, due in large part to the slow
growth of something like friendship between Saelon and Veylin. They do
not fully understand each other, but they do respect each other and the
distance between them, as well as the possibility of a more substantial
set of ties. Time and another story will tell whether vengeance is
claimed and a neighborly relationship achieved, and I quite look
forward to it.

Highly recommended reading for anyone with any interest in Tolkien's
Middle-earth. Well, well done, Adaneth!

Title: A Mother's Touch · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:22:17
Smaug and his mother  what a pair! The image of fearsome Smaug as a
pink-and-white-scaled wriggling little wyrm who plays in the mud is,
quite frankly, hysterical. I think, however, that my favorite
incongruous 'image' is this:

["Mama, I'm back," chirped her son]

Dragons chirping. Like sparrows, maybe? I love it, and it makes me
smile every time, thinking of Smaug as chirping.

Title: Inroads · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 45
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:31:32
Eowyn in the Fourth Age is something of an enigma  we all wonder, can
the shield-maiden really become a gardener, healer, and consummate
diplomat? War is so much simpler in many ways, when the solution is the
simple elimination of whoever stands in your path.

Raksha takes on one aspect of this question in this short ficlet,
showing the trials and tribulations of being unable to confront the
enemy head on and offer no other terms than death or surrender. The
ladies of Minas Tirith, defeated in the matrimonial game by Eowyn's
capture of Faramir, are not all gracious losers. Nor do they forget
that she isn't one of them.

It takes a young girl with heart but no falsity to break the strain of
the evening and remind some of the resentful ones that Eowyn has, after
all, earned her joy and is worthy of respect.

Title: A Useful Skill · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children ·
ID: 46
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:40:51
Ok, I admit it, this one just makes me go "Awwwww!"

I love the father-son dynamic here  Denethor, usually so very on top
of matters, gets to do a classic double take:

[Faramir, not surprisingly, was sitting on one of the couches, his head
bent low over a 

Denethor blinked, sure he must be mistaken. But he was not; it was no
book which held Faramir's attention, it was a sock.]

Surprise, and confusion, plus a confrontation with boundless, innocent
childish enthusiasm, have him a bit set back on his heels. This, alas,
comes off as irritation with Faramir, who, in the manner of young
children, senses that he has somehow offended the Order Of Things, but
isn't sure how or why his newfound abilities rouse paternal wrath.

Fortunately, Denethor does back down, after getting a reminder that
even for the highly born, soldiering demands the ability to take care
of one's own things. Nanny, Faramir's teacher in this as in other
matters, gets a brief appearance and is understandably slightly
flustered to find Denethor presiding over his son's efforts. That
Denethor finds her relief amusing is telling of his rather imposing
personality  a comic but revealing end to the ficlet.

Title: A Thankless Task · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama: Youth ·
ID: 49
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 03:51:03
& and this one makes me smirk slightly and imagine a very nasty road
for Boromir to tramp upon, which would require the mending of many an
article of clothing.

Boromir's efforts to get Faramir to sympathize with him, or else to
agree to do his sewing for him, are typically elder-brotherly, when
brothers discover what their siblings are for (the doing of the chores
they don't want to do themselves). Faramir's willingness to stand up to
his brother, whom he adores, and argue with him, suggests he ought to
be able to do so with his father  a subject that is briefly discussed,
though only as a hypothetical possibility at this point.

Alas, we know that when it counts, he isn't able to do it  he'll still
ride out to defend Pelennor, and without having challenged Denethor's
will about it. That casts a shadow over an otherwise light-hearted
story.

Title: Sunshine and Roses · Author: shirelinghpc · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 531
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2007-07-11 22:28:02
A very sweet and touching story of how the hobbits and other walkers
spent their time in Minas Tirith. It could probably benefit from a beta
for mechanics (things like sentence fragments and punctuation, for
example), but the underlying gap-filling is excellent. I enjoyed it
very much.

Title: The End of Dark Days · Author: annmarwalk/EdorasLass CoAuthors ·
Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith · ID: 56
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 22:59:43
The heroines of Ann and EdorasLass finally get a story together, it
seems. Despite the slight sense of jarring to find that everyone
including her friends calls Nanny "Nanny", it is a lovely little set of
scenes, as Nanny and her girls return to Minas Tirith to discover what
has become of her menfolk and, of course, Faramir.

And while I really should have seen it coming, the only
half-acknowledged tale of just how Denethor died, and how close he came
to taking Faramir with him, was appropriately shocking when seen
through Nanny's perspective  Nanny, who had no idea of what was
waiting for her in the cryptic hints of strange happenings where 'her
rabbit' is concerned.

A mix of mourning and remembrance and laughter, all laced with a strong
undercurrent of nervous exhaustion, gives this a tone appropriate to
the circumstances. An enjoyable read  well done, both of you!

Title: Better Days Ahead · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 51
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 23:00:10
Shagrat gets a voice in this little ficlet, and a very orcish voice it
is, one part arrogance and bravada, another part lusting after ghoulish
fantasy that would certainly have consequences in the world should they
manage to carry out their 'plans.' Apparently, Shagrat has either heard
of Saruman's experiments in Uruk-hai eugenics, or else something
similar was going on in Mordor, and they mean to continue it. In either
case, ew.

Nevertheless, for an orc, it is at least a vision, even if one that no
one really wants to contemplate except other orcs. Rape and murder,
terrorism and human trafficking are nothing new in the world,
unfortunately, and if anyone would think of them as an escape from
trouble and way to rise in the world while taking revenge on their
enemies, well, orcs would certainly be the ones to think of it!

Title: Measures of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 50
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 23:00:41
One of the interesting things about couples like Faramir and Eowyn or
Aragorn and Arwen is the different rate of aging. Raksha takes up this
theme, and the pains it imposes on the partner who ages more swiftly,
in this case Eowyn.

Jealousy can become a problem  jealousy, and nostalgia, which can sour
a relationship. It requires much more sensitivity on the part of the
younger (or more youth-ful) partner to handle the way in which time,
flowing differently for each in a radical way, does not enable them to
share certain things at the same time, and seems to make them in some
way unsuited to each other.

Faramir is in this instance able, by force of sincerity unmarred by the
slightest hesitation, to help Eowyn forget the difference in vigor
between them, and to feel loved and desirable rather than a burden.
It's a sweet little vignette, and I am sure fans of Faramir and Eowyn
will enjoy it.

Title: Getting Away from it All · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 63
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-11 23:37:02
Everyone has to take a little time off, even if that time is in between
allowing the plots of courtly enemies to ripen to the point where they
become vulnerable to one's own counterplotting.

I like the lazy, bantering tone of this, although there is one point
where the swing to the serious seems to come out of nowhere. Otherwise,
however, an enjoyable day off for the king and queen, prince and
princess!

Title: Keeper of the Jewels · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Adventure:
Minas Tirith · ID: 64
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-12 03:46:54
There must surely have been some in Gondor who were less than pleased
that there was a claimant to the throne after all, and perhaps even a
few who would take that displeasure further than opposition in council
rooms. Cuthalion sets up a plausible scenario in the Prince of Lebennin
and in his meek, desperate daughter, Artanis.

One suspects that the flaw in the Prince of Lebennin's plan will be the
way he treats his daughter, and in fact, that is the case. This allows
poor Sam to be rescued before his captors can dispose of him along with
Aragorn. It also allows for the redemption of Artanis.

I like the depiction of the relationships among the hobbits, and
between them and Aragorn, and loved that Ioreth got a few moments of
triumph, even if only in a recounting. A quick, enjoyable read.

Title: Foreign Ways · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 54
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-12 04:02:22
Mag the cook is indeed a cook at heart, willing to taste-test anything.
And also, an apparently adventuresome young woman once upon a time,
willing to be lured into taverns by strange blond strangers with no
Westron who want to stand her and her best friend drinks. It all turns
out well, however, and Mag gets to add another few culinary items to
her list of enjoyable things to eat.

Eowyn, newly arrived from Rohan, and eager to accustom her Gondorian
staff to Rohirric fare provides an entertaining reminder to Mag of that
earlier encounter, which Mag handles with grace and a bit of a white
lie, but Eowyn is delighted with her enthusiasm. Plus, Mag can now
enjoy certain Rohirric delicacies once again, secure in the new
knowledge of how to make them herself, thanks to Eowyn. A cute bit of
cross-cultural interaction, Ann!

Title: Sea Food · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 53
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-12 04:02:47
This reminds me of the old sea food diet joke  see food, eat it.
Except this time, it actually works the other way around: see food,
don't eat it.

Young Boromir and Faramir show themselves to be still on the sensitive
side when it comes to the difference between what is served on the
table and what they have to catch for themselves. The crabs got lucky
this time, though Boromir's last comment shows the truth of the old
'out of sight, out of mind' (and conscience) truism. Cute story!

Title: Behind Every Great Man... · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid
Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 52
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 02:09:14
Oh dear! I can sympathize with Denethor in his floral confusion 
telling flowers apart has never been a strong point, I'm mostly content
just to look at them and admire. But Mormegil makes such an effort to
make Denethor look good, even to the extent of signing Denethor's name
to the inquiry as to Finduilas's favorite flowers, that now the poor
bridegroom will have to keep track of flower names when clearly he's
already somewhat flustered. An amusing ficlet!

Title: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines · Author: Fiondil · Genres:
Drama · ID: 76
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:15:54
Fiondil draws out clearly what Boromir's failure can and does in the
end help to facilitate, when perhaps nothing less would have done to
set things on a path where there was hope of victory. I liked the
calmness of the hall, and Boromir's initial reactions to Mandos  both
nicely detached, and the latter also amusing. Maybe a touch too calm
for me in the end, but then, I like the turbulence of Boromir's
character and find him to be most interesting when he's at crisis
points. It's a nicely written story, though, and those wanting
redemption for Boromir will surely appreciate it.

Title: Golfing Fever · Author: lbilover · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 75
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:20:18
I admit that I had a serious moment of hesitation over this story. In
the first place, while I enjoy well-written fanfic, usually my
interests run towards other areas in Eriador (ones with Rangers in
them, more precisely). In the second, however, and more importantly: I
HATE golf. I do not see the point. At all. I am very much with
Ibilover's Bilbo on this one.

But I did end up reading it, and was hooked from the first chapter.
This one goes up with Daffodil's story about soccer-playing hobbits  a
hysterical, sexy combination that you never saw coming. Given my hatred
of golf, I found myself quite in accord with Frodo: who knew that
golfing terminology so leant itself to innuendo? Ibilover does not miss
an opportunity, or at least, I couldn't spy one she didn't pounce on,
but it never feels overdone, has a light, humorous touch, and the story
goes quickly, with the reader chortling and shaking her head all the
way.

Sam's apparently single-minded focus on golf is a source of much ironic
humor throughout, as is Frodo's running distracted commentary on the
joys of golfing (with Sam), and in the end, we discover that turnabout
is most definitely fair play. Merry makes for a funny interlude  I was
glad to see him, and his wicked sense of golfing style trotted out for
the occasion of his cousin's mysterious demands.

So thank you, Ibilover, for your careful interrogation of your father 
I appreciated it! Give this one a chance if you're into amusing,
light-hearted romantic comedy, even if you absolutely despise the game
of golf.

Title: The Captain and the King · Author: plasticChevy · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 738
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-14 03:25:32
This absolutely boggles my mind that this tale has not been nominated
before this. I went to the log from previous tales - and lo and behold
- it was not there. Imagine my joy to think that I, undeserving lover
of Boromir and plasticChevy's wondrous tales, am able to nominate this
glorious story.

I usually don't read AU's - but this one grabbed at my heart and held
it - I have read it at least five times and not once, not once, have I
been disappointed. Even though I know what is going to happen next... I
am still on tenter-hooks waiting, biting my nails. Never have I found
such a touching, heart-wrenching, tension-filled, angst-overflowing,
wondrous tale of what might have been. The premise was perfect and
believable.

I don't think one moment went by that I did not have my heart in my
throat as PC took these two wonderful, stalwart men through terrors and
trials unimaginable. Their growing friendship and love was just a
delight to read. Their courage and fortitude exemplary.

The characters are all true to Tolkien's world - Aragorn is perfect as
King, Boromir is absolutely gorgeous as Steward, and those in the
perifery are splendid.

I absolutely adore this story! I do not even have the words to say how
much I love this tale. Thank you, PC, for sharing this monumentous
work.

Title: Geometry · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID:
80
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:28:28
A brief, poignant representation of Denethor and Faramir, after
Boromir's death. The childhood image of a clumsy, lopsided triangle,
points for people joined together, is undone and one can imagine the
gaping division between Faramir and his father quite clearly.

Title: The Steward's Tale · Author: plasticChevy · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 739
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-14 03:35:16
From the moment this tale opens with Boromir and Faramir working out,
my heart was taken by this story. I loved the brothers' interaction. I
loved Gil's place in this.

My heart went out to the little creature that has so been so profoundly
touched by the erstwhile Steward of Gondor. I love how she must work so
diligently to earn the respect of those around her. I love the group of
'spies' that she pulls together so that her lord, her Steward and his
King are protected. - Ah! It's a great tale - and well-written too!

Oh! and the pictures are awesome too!

As for Boromir and Aragorn - the friendship that grew in her previous
tale, The Captain and the King, is even stronger and purer... if such
could be the case. The two of them have grown into a fiercesome duo -
fighting for Gondor against all who would harm her.

And there are those there - besides the known Orcs and such - the inner
terror that tries to rules the halls of Minas Tirith are potent and
nasty.

Boromir's captivity is horrid... and his dearest servant and faithful
companion, Borlas is so sweet...

Incredible tale - I sit and wait for each installment. Thank you!

Title: Free and Gay · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 81
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-07-14 03:35:27
Ah, poor Boromir, prisoner to the covetous looks of the ambitious
mothers of Minas Tirith! Very understated slashiness, and the brotherly
banter was fun. Faramir has no idea of what awaits him, once the ladies
of the court begin to notice him. Boromir does, and finds more than one
reason to wish to spend Yule in the field, in the company of soldiers
and such celebrations as they can arrange for themselves.

Title: The Rose in the Courtyard · Author: claudia6032000 · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 560
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-07-14 19:31:41
Damrod finds Frodo contemplating the single blooming rose in the
gardens of the Houses of Healing and finds each wonderful, and begs the
Ringbearer's pardon for possible rough treatment in Ithilien.

Some slight grammatical errors, but a pleasing story.


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Tari,

The story in question is "Tamer's Tale" by JunoMagic. You can find it at:

http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=441

Summary =

"A story about the island of Himling, a wizard and a woman. Tolkien
wrote in his essay "Osanwe Kenta" that wearing the raiment of a body
and enjoying the functions of a body changed a maia. This story is an
Alternative Universe glimpse at how and why Gandalf might have been
affected by his guise as man in Middle-earth. Yes: this is a serious
Gandalf romance!"

Marta

On 10/23/07, KAT702H@aol.com <KAT702H@aol.com> wrote:
>
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> What is the name of this story?
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> Tari
> In a message dated 10/3/2007 6:20:46 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> ann@marwalk.com writes:
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> I've seen a very few stories that attempt to give Gandalf a romantic
> interest. They are usually well-written, and I can see how it might
> happen, but there's an essential something that's missing  intuition,
> I guess, whatever it is that makes you go, "Aha, so that's how it
> works!" Juno's story supplies me with that "Aha!" moment.
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> Juno's writing is strong, and features her usual story-within-a-story
> frame, the narrator speaking directly to the reader to frame the
> locale, the history, put the question in the reader's mind, invite the
> reader in. And then she switches to her primary character, who tells
> the rest  Juno has that enviable gift of telling a fully lived out
> life in just a few words. She doesn't need many, for all are well
> chosen. One gets a strong sense of the isolation of Himling, of its
> being a waymarker, a boundary stone (not just having one)  it stands
> on the borders between myth and reality, permanently linked to
> legendary Himring, between one world and the next. It is a place where
> a wizard does not simply come, but in some way dwells, on the border of
> any map of Middle-earth, forgotten and forgetting, and imbued with its
> own curious remembrances.
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> Tamer's acceptance of her place in the life of this tiny society, and
> her devotion to her master, the Grey Wizard who occasionally comes for
> a respite from carrying the rest of the world's burdens on his
> shoulders, is well-portrayed. We watch her fall in love in a way that
> makes sense in the context of her life, and requires no questions nor
> any extraneous declarations of love or the sorts of courtly romantic
> episodes one often sees deployed in romance stories.
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> Gandalf's reactions, too, make sense, and I love the ending  the way
> in which Gandalf has to sacrifice something for a love he will never be
> able to settle into. Juno gives an explanation in author's notes of
> what is at stake, and what this episode in his life could mean in terms
> of canonical events, but really, it isn't needed. The story makes sense
> on its own terms, and I think the thing that cements it for me is that
> Gandalf does not fall in love with someone who is like him, or with
> someone who is classically beautiful, or one of the Eldar  in some
> sense, they are too much akin. Gandalf is attracted and bound
> eventually to that which is different from him  he goes out of himself
> quite literally here, becoming something that no other of his kind has
> been  save, perhaps, Melian. And so he is able to understand, not just
> know, human love and human grief in a way that no other Istari ever
> shall.
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> Beautiful story, Juno, and beautifully told. I'd recommend this to any
> Tolkien fan.
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