Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Gifts · Author: Acacea · Genres: Humor: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 500
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 03:02:28
This delightful piece makes me smile and chuckle every time I re-read it.

Here, Denethor is watching over little Faramir in the Steward's
chamber of office, and the tyke is getting into mischief, or trying
to, in the manner of curious toddlers and teething puppies. Denethor's
thoughts and responses are right on target, revealing a perceptive and
tolerant man who knows the habits of his small sons. There is a sense
of amused distance, understandable in a father who is also the ruler
of the greatest human city in Sauron-free Middle-earth.

The last line is particularly funny, and is also a punchline of sorts,
since the entire ficlet leads to it, though the rest of the drabble is
quite funny in its own right.

Title: Bliss and Beauty · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabble
· ID: 20
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 03:10:23
A charming drabble spotlighting the fabled romance between Tuor and
Idril, with the fountained stone courts of Gondolin as a backdrop. The
themes of the beauty of Gondolin and the joy that Idril inspires in
Tuor are skillfully interwoven...

Title: The Far Corner of the Garden · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ithilien · ID: 554
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 03:11:48
Annmarwalk excels at both the usage of beautiful, evocative language,
and the small details that make any story more real, as in the colors
and types of flowers, the smells of a kitchen.


Eowyn's preoccupation with gardening in the tale is the natural result
of Eowyn's decision to devote herself to healing and gardening rather
than the arts of war, and it is very credible here. Eowyn being who
she is, she makes good and thorough plans; having the time and station
and wealth to order a fine unshadowed princely household and be a
Princess in deed as well as name.

Very nice! (especially the bit with sleepy whuffling Faramir mumbling
out a lovely idea)


Title: Lamentable Tidings · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 742
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 03:12:22
Ack! Hurry up and finish the story, Rhyselle!

In this AU, Faramir is captured by Nazgul after seeing Frodo and Sam
on their way. Suffice it to say that considerable angst ensues, along
with torture and pain, for Faramir and Denethor.

Faramir is still alive as of the last posted chapter, so there's hope
he might come out of this story alive...

And Boromir lives in this AU.

Well-paced and exciting. I sure hope the ending isn't a cliffhanger or
the end of Faramir.

Title: Sons of the Stars · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 267
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 03:13:20
Certainly this story contains one of the most audacious fanfiction
slash pairings I have ever read, but the romance partners are not
unlike in character, despite living in literally very different worlds.

Title: Between Crown and Mantle · Author: Marastar · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA · ID: 701
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 03:28:52
A very nifty vignette that is intellectually and emotionally
provocative. Excellent characterisations of Eowyn and Gandalf in the
wonderful conversation between them. I love the final connection made
between Eowyn and a nearly forgotten "deserter" in a long-ago war.

Title: Clothes Make the Man · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Drabble · ID: 625
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 04:29:30
Perceptive drabble about Aragorn's change of wardrobe in Lorien. The
characterisation of Galadriel, brief as is her appearance, the quietly
insightful Celeborn, and Aragorn himself, is well-done and believable.

Title: The Inner Light · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 236
Reviewer: Isil Elensar · 2007-10-01 06:46:08
I must admit to not having read much fanfic, especially when I know I
should. So when I was passed a link for this story, I read it. I LOVE
this story! It's set in the early fourth age when the elves are
finally leaving Middle-earth for the Blessed Realm. All except two,
one of whom is bound by a promise to remain while the other still
wanders the shores. It is a moving story filled with memories, both
good and bad, and also a touch (or possibly more) of angsty-ness. And
yet, I managed to grasp a strand of hope throughout. I did not know,
until the end, that I would be given a happy ending; thus the strand
of hope. Though honestly, the hope was not all for the happy ending.
The characterizations of Erestor and Maglor are perfect. The writing
is excellent. I've always known Rhapsody had it in her to write a
lovely happy ending, and after reading this story, I was happy to see
I was right! Well done, Rhapsy. *hugs*

Title: Separation · Author: dancingkatz · Races: Elves · ID: 757
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-01 08:34:55
This story really grabs me, not just because of the Valar scenes (my
favorite by the way) but because you so aptly portray a confused child
who thinks he's being punished and is no longer loved and he doesn't
know why because he knows he's done nothing wrong. I'm not a twin but
I can certainly sympathize with Elrohir missing his brother. All of us
have suffered separation anxieties, whether it's the first time away
from home or the first day of school and mommy isn't there. So, Roh's
feelings are very true to that situation.

I love Glorfindel, who comes off not as perfect as we like to think.
He is a great warrior and competent administrator and host in Elrond's
absence and he is trying his best with Elrohir, but the guilt and
overblown sense of responsibilty that he feels makes him less godlike
and more human (in a good way). You just want to reach out and hug his
tears away, poor ellon.

The scene with Dan and Námo was just wonderful. Námo is definitely in
Comforter-mode here and you can see that he would be this way with his
charges (both Elves and Mortals) more so than the grim Judge or
Ordainer of Fates. I always thought Námo preferred the role of
Comforter more than any of the other roles he must play as Lord of Mandos.

The scene with Irmo, Melian and Námo and the naughty flask just broke
me up, especially the congratulatory looks that the Fëanturi give each
other. Glorfindel's [If Elladan and Elrohir follow your example, I may
as well cut my throat now and return to Mandos before I go mad] is
priceless as is Melian's [Cultural heathens] comment.

And I can so totally sympathize with Roh's hatred of math. I can't do
it to save my life and thank Eru for such inventions as the calculator
(though sometimes even then I mess up). Elrohir's punishment of
copying out selected texts was quite unique, and it's obvious
Glorfindel's taken a page from his "otorno" Finrod's book of "Unique
Punishments for Elflings and Other Miscreants".

Title: Counsel · Author: Alassiel · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor ·
ID: 292
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-01 08:39:12
This is a gentle piece that is nevertheless quite deep. I like that
the two people speaking are Aragorn, on the eve of his coronation, and
Finrod (one of my favorite elves of any Age), who was once the King of
Nargothrond. The easy acceptance of what has to be a most unusual
phenomena by Aragorn shows his upbringing among elves where such
things may be considered commonplace.

The concept of kingship, its rights and obligations and the
relationship between King and subjects as a compact, is one that
resonates well in our own world where too often our rulers are
uncaring of the oaths they took to secure the welfare of their people.
Finrod is, to me, the epitome of kingship, simply because he is
willing to lay down the burden of kingship for the oath he had given
to Barahir. His willingness to give up power shows that he has never
lost that power, that regardless of what happened afterwards, he is
and remains a king in the truest sense of the word.

One has the sense that Aragorn will endeavor to imitate Finrod, who
is, or will eventually become, Aragorn's great-uncle by marriage.
Which brings us to the next point -- Aragorn's marriage to Arwen.

Finrod rightly points out that such unions are and always have been
fraught with sorrow and normally would disapprove of them, as we see
in the "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth", for, as he points out, Arda is
still Arda Marred. Yet, he is wise enough to recognize that Eru's
plans for both Firstborn and Secondborn will always supersede any
objections individuals might have about such unions between the
sundered Children.

Finrod's simple ["May you have joy"] is perhaps the most beautiful
part of this story. I can clearly see Aragorn's smile at this simple
wish by one who has always been known as the Friend of Men and even
feel the love that Finrod pours into that simple phrase and the joy
that Aragorn experiences because of it.

The gentleness with which the story is written, the rhythm of the
words spoken by the two characters, the simple yet heartfelt wish on
Finrod's part for Aragorn's happiness is clearly evident and leaves
one with a warm feeling. One wishes that our own leaders would take
their cue from these two kings who represent the true meaning of what
it means to be a king/ruler in any Age.

Title: Bitter · Author: vladazhael · Genres: Drama: General Drabble ·
ID: 173
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-01 10:31:08
I think that, to a certain point, each of the sons of Feanor might
feel and think similarly to the voice Maedhros presents in this
drabble. The choice makes it more significant as it is the eldest brother.

This is a very insightful piece that shows the tragedy of the
Feanorions and the consequences of Feanor's death -- left alone, they
must deal with what they've done and there is still an oath to fulfil.
There are things that cannot be forgiven, indeed.

Very well done!

Title: The Turn of the Tide · Author: Altariel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 72
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:08:00
As ever, the story is written elegantly and meaningful.

I like the way the "AU-ness" is revealed only after a time. We are led
to believe the man coming to her is Faramir, supported by the
descriptions Éowyn remembers from the women - although in truth, the
description does fit either brother.

Interesting where you see the divergences from canon, prompted by the
differences between the brothers, and how, despite it all, the
"integrity", the needed consequences, can be kept after all in the
narrow margins allowed for chance (fate?).

It's also somehow reassuring that the basic characteristics *don't*
change, even under so very different circumstances, like the love
between Éowyn and Faramir, or Denethor's complex character.

The encounter between Éowyn and Denethor, filled with tension, and
unspoken thoughts and feelings, is fascinating and very poignant;
especially the fact that in a way he takes the role of Faramir in
keeping her company each day, which strengthens the similarity between
them mentioned earlier.

Title: Those Darned Socks! · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 188
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:08:30
Descriptive prose, setting the details of scene and mood carefully.
The readers can really see everything through Boromir's eyes.

It's amusing to think how such a little thing like holes in socks
might develop into a problem, but also quite plausible, and I find it
completely in character for Boromir to suffer something like this in
silence, instead of requesting aid.

Title: And Not To Yield · Author: Lady Marshy · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 117
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:09:26
Absolutely chilling! The premise of the AU is successfully held a
secret until the end, and the readers are told enough to make sense of
what is happening and simultaneously, keep the suspense high. Some of
it could be guessed from the summary, but the actual revelation was a
surprise, after all. I had expected the Ring to be in the possession
of the *other* person, and to see that he actually became only a
passive tool was even more of a blow.

Good pacing and scene-setting. I like the way a lot of the back-story
is told only in brief allusions and sketches.

It was a very intriguing twist to make Éomer's and Faramir's defiance
seem almost deluded and unreasonable. Because the readers "know" they
are in the right, however, it makes it appear like they are the only
two sane people in a world gone crazy.

The two protagonists seemed very true to character, and the Haradrim
officer was a fascinating character, as well.

Title: Subdivisions · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 551
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:10:00
A successful blend of modern aspects and Middle-earth, weird,
hilarious, but also thought-provoking. A wonderful cast of
three-dimensional, memorable characters. Vivid dialogues.

The theme being addressed repeatedly in the story - preserving the
past or looking towards the future - was well-developed, and I
appreciated that there was no simple answer (although the vision of
tourist shops near the HoH and asphalt on the Pelennor are rather
horrifying). I personally think that Aragorn as king would manage to
find the right balance.

I especially enjoyed Piri, and the Haradric items coming so much in
demand. I also liked how some themes from "Dance on the Way Down" were
picked up, partly examined from another angle.

Title: Safe In My Arms · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Drama · ID: 470
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:12:39
I found Faramir's instant trust even before he knew where he was and
in whose company very indicative of his character.

To include Boromir in the healing as well, and in fact doing it mostly
for *his* sake was an insightful detail - it could not have been easy
for him, not merely because of his duties, but also because in a
sense, he was caught between the problematic relationship between
Denethor and Faramir.

The scene with Denethor was haunting, and very plausible, especially
the fact that even under his self-inflicted penance, it took time for
him to recognise (in more than one sense of the word) Faramir.

Title: Reconcilation · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 86
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:14:32
A riveting, exciting plot, thought-provoking themes, nuanced
characterisations. Additionally, a fascinating look at the training of
knights and the problems that may arise in such a community of
ambitious young men, who may still be uncertain of themselves and
their place in life: racism, loyalty (and when it is inappropriate),
harassment, the finding of justice.

Heart of the story were, of course, Peloren, Elethil and Andrahar
(with fellow students and superiors complicating the situation). The
development of their relationship, the slow steps towards a
["reconciliation"] were developed in a believable and thoroughly
captivating way. But the rest of the great cast is handled equally
adroitly, with each of the characters distinct, credible and complex.

The introspective passages added much to the density of the plot
(although I have to admit, in some instances I thought some of them
went on rather long).

The most interesting sub-plots for me were the teachers' views on the
whole matter (including Harthil's reprehensible behaviour, and the
final remarkable decision by two of their number), and the details
about Haradric and Andrahar's new-found love for his language.

Title: The Waves' Song · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 6
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:16:15
Highly evocative, atmospheric and creative imagery. The storm and the
sea are re-created on the land, as the terms you used to describe the
weather are so appropriate to the title and Arwen's wish.

It was really thrilling to see the picture of this storm, and it
seemed as if I could actually feel and hear the wind, see the trees
move and the leaves swirl.

And in the midst of it all, the still figure of Arwen, quite arresting
in this contrast to the powerful movement all around her, even of hair
and mantle. It is a strong focus point, the anchor - to continue the
analogy - of the drabble, and the statement that she ["weighed down
the hill"], her grief over her husband's death and her longing for
release from Middle-earth is made clear without the need to actually
write about it.

From the fact that this is set in Winter, I surmise the second part of
her request was granted soon. But to have it here answered only by
silence seemed incredibly sad, and having the drabble end on this open
note merely emphasised and increased this feeling.

Title: Perturbation of Fate · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 428
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:16:34
Intriguing and original take on Maglor's reasons to stay by the shores
of Middle-earth. The sea is described in very evocative terms. I like
how you show Maglor torn between the Sea-longing and his self-imposed
duty.

Title: Knowing · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages
· ID: 765
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:18:39
Wonderful setting of scenes. I like the similarities and differences
of the present and Glorfindel's memories.

His portrayal was very moving (I'm very fond of seeing the vulnerable
side of the famed warrior), and to see his great capacity for love and
his desire to protect and be there for the innocent.

The Elrondionnath, being descendants of his erstwhile king, and with
the memory of the two friends he made in the Halls of Mandos, are
exactly what Glorfindel was waiting for.

Title: Leaf Subsides to Leaf · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 105
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:21:33
Thranduil's sorrow was tangible throughout the story, as was the deep
bond between father and son despite their arguments and differing
outlooks.

I did not quite understood why Thranduil thought Legolas went to
Valinor for Gimli's sake, when it was rather the other way around:
it's not as if Legolas has much choice to go once the Sea-longing took
hold of him.

It was good to see a rapprochement at the end, and deeper
understanding between Thranduil and his son.

Title: The Undiscovered Country · Author: Wimsey · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 715
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:23:56
Lovely language, and vivd descriptions. Arwen's feelings in her
successive stages of grief are coveyed evocatively and in a very
moving manner. It seems as if they went hand in hand with the seasons,
which made for some very intriguing comparisons; I found the fact that
her "depressive stage" was in winter, with everything bare of life,
particularly poignant. The image of her roving the streets of Minas
Tirith at night was haunting.

I liked how you portrayed the relationship between Arwen and her
family - so deep and yet, understandably, they can only do so much to
help. I was glad Arwen was able to say farewell to her brothers and
her grandfather with more acceptance, so they could bear her love to
Valinor to the rest of the family with an easier heart.

The fading of Arwen, with her living in memories and so helping her
ignore the harsh reality of fading Lothlórien, seemed very sad, but at
the same time comforting.

Title: Geometry · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 80
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:25:00
A fascinating take on the prompt! The symbolism is certainly very
appropriate, and I appreciate it very much that there is more than one
level of this thread as you have transferred the metaphors also to a
"concrete", "real" meaning in the drabble when Faramir thinks about
his geometry lessons and is himself comparing the family situation to
a triangle.

I can see Boromir as the one holding Faramir and their father
together: being the favourite of Denethor, but also being a good
brother to Faramir (which can't have been easy). With his loss the two
remaining sides will diverge all the faster...

I also like how the beginning sets the mood throughout the rest of the
drabble: the emphasis on silence and emptiness positively echoes
through the subsequent lines.

Title: For everything, there is a season · Author: Tanaqui · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 696
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:26:59
Lovely description of how the crown of the fallen king came to be. The
descriptions work on an immediate level (the roots nourished by the
compost of the decaying leaves) and a symbolical one (the future
finding sustenance in the past).

I like how the factor "time" is worked into the drabble. The layout
and punctuation seem like breaths of the nature busy in her task of
creating. It gives the impression of an unhurried but inexorable
process. It also makes a poignant contrast to the outer world which
["hurried to ruin"].

The fact that it was a coincidence that started it all, prompted by
the sound of evil voices, makes me think of the themes in Tolkien
about chance and that every evil in the end aids in Eru's design.

The parallel between Varda's and Vána's stars was my favourite
passage. The ending - the contrast between the gentle carress of the
["wearied head"] and the defiance of the statement that despite it
all, it was still ["unconquered"], still crowned with honour - was
another favourite.

Title: Firelight · Author: Songspinner · Genres: Drama: Ithilien · ID: 817
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-01 12:28:22
A good example of show-don't-tell: The concern and worry of the
members of the Fellowship for each other is explained more by their
actions than any long exposition. Evocative scene setting and dialogues.

I especially liked the second part, with first Aragorn working to heal
everyone until he collapses himself with exhaustion, and Legolas
caring for him and singing him to sleep.

I have always thought the sudden lighting of the beacon pyre would
possibly get entangled with Pippin's memories of Denethor's end, and
you have used this fact well here. You even added other significant
instances of fire and burning and thus showed a thread throughout
their adventures, sometimes more, sometimes less fateful.