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Title: A Crown of Woodland Flowers · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Elves: With Mirkwood Elves · ID: 180
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 10:11:19
This is such a charming story. I love the characters - well, of
course, Thranduil's charms go without saying, but it is good to see
him matched with a wife who clearly understands him - and can manage
him - so well.

Good for Telparian! I was glad to see her put her foot down. Business
will, after all, still be there tomorrow - and the day after and the
day after that! And so will the bureaucrats, especially since they are
elven bureaucrats. Thranduil needed a holiday from the tedium of
ruling - and there's nothing like telling the help that they'll have
to wait to make them realise who is the boss!

I love boyish Thranduil being tipped in the water by the stone - he
covered it quite well, (plenty of practice in disguising unfortunate
slips, perhaps) but I'm sure he was very glad that the only witness
was one sufficiently devoted to his cause to look on his slip as
charming. And it was just the kind of day he needed. The symbolism of
the crowns - and the relevance to the two of them - is very touching.
I'm sure it must have made it hard for Thranduil to continue with the
tradition after his wife's death ... although perhaps the continued
feeling of closeness to her and the sharing of this private moment
might have been more helpful than not after a while.

This is a delightful episode in the life of Mirkwood - and I
thoroughly enjoyed it.

Title: A Wish for Yestare · Author: rhyselle · Races: Men: Gondor ·
ID: 178
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 10:22:58
I found this story very touching - most especially as it combines two
characters who are not usually seen working together in sympathy. It
is particularly touching to see Faramir and Denethor sharing this
moment of happy harmony - even if the incident is almost overwhelmed
by the dramatic irony of knowing that neither father nor brother will
see their beloved Boromir alive again. Not to mention the dramatic
irony of associating Faramir and Denethor with flame.

I loved the fireboats - it is a beautiful and touching tradition, and
one that seems very appropriate both for the times facing Gondor and
the looming tragedies - Boromir's fate not the least of these.

While as for those arrogant, self-serving lords and boot-lickers who
disregarded the second son so casually as being somehow less - less
important, less loved, less worthy of their attention - I hope it came
back to bite them when Faramir inherited the Stewardship and became
the most favoured councillor of the king returned. Although I expect
Faramir was too noble to make them squirm as he should. Both too noble
and too politically ept, if that's not a contradiction. Although
hopefully, a wily Prince Imrahil will have made sure they grovelled in
fear of losing their comfortable positions in the councils of the new
king.

Title: The Understanding of a Father · Author: Ellie · Races: Elves ·
ID: 174
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 10:30:38
I did enjoy this story - it is such an interesting look at a difficult
time. It's very interesting to see Glorfindel with a family, too - and
not only a wife and children and brothers, but also parents! And
seeing him from his father's point of view give a whole different
perspective on a fascinating character.

And it would be so hard to prepare the Valar's host to confront the
abominations of Morgoth - how can the elves of the Blessed Realm, who
have been born into peace and harmony and the beauty of the Two Trees,
possibly understand the sheer mind-blowing hideousness and terror of
what awaits them? So many of these splendid shining elves must have
been killed in their first skirmishes, before they really began to
understand the difference between tournaments where people play by the
rules of engagement and war, where they just ... don't.

It's odd when the roles of parent and child change round - but that's
part of gaining experience. Glorfindel's father can see shared
experience in his son - as well as a depth of knowledge and
understanding from which his son would like to shield him.

I hope the father returns physically whole. He will not be unchanged.
And then he will have to learn to adjust to living among people who
can never share his experience. I hope his son helps him cope with it all.


Title: Adrift · Author: fantasyfan · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor · ID: 313
Reviewer: Elanor · 2007-10-03 15:15:47
This extraordinary work is a course in writing in and of itself,
beautifully constructed and presented with great sensitivity and
confidence. The task the author set herself here was enormous: a
delicate chronicle of a mind near death tentatively rediscovering
consciousness, self, and being. To say that she met this challenge is
not enough; she has transcended it with consummate skill.

With tremendous care the words are laid down, each a perfect
counterpoint for the moment they describe, marvelous metaphors and
adjectives that lay waste to the soulless constructs of minimalism.
This is language in all its richness, used with power, grace, and
surety, imbued with magic to create a formless world beyond
consciousness, and a drifting sense of time, and the bittersweet
homecoming of a battered soul coming out of a painless void into the
piercing grief and joy of Life.

The sacred ground of Frodo Baggins is sifted here with all the
reverence he deserves; this is a writer of great heart and admirable
skills. A fine story!

Title: Time · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 414
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-03 17:09:05
I love Bodkin's Legolas. He sees the worth and value of mortals in a
way that many of his immortal kindred do not, and even of those who do
*see*, he cares more about them. Perhaps it is the legacy of his time
in the Fellowship, and the fact that his deepest friendships are to be
found among mortals. Here, he shows that caring for a family long dead
and gone, whose fate concerns him.

It is not the first time I've come across the notion of Elves carrying
forward the memory of mortals into immortality, but it is one of the
most touching. A beautiful and thought-provoking story.

Title: If I Keep You Beside Me · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 548
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-03 17:32:26
This story, written for a community challenge, is brilliantly
constructed: we see flashbacks and stories-within-stories (more than
one) deftly handled.

But it is the feelings evoked as we struggle along with Pippin, to
cope with the stern demands of Minas Tirith and the service of
Denethor that make it stand out. We see Pippin as a caged bird,
longing for freedom, and yet freely sacrificing it for the sake of
those he loves--which includes the memory of one who is gone for good.

The contrast between the "moral" of the bird-story as Men see it, and
the "moral" of the story as hobbits see it shows up so perfectly the
sometimes skewed priorities of those concerned only with the
practicalities of life as compared with the hobbits' more
compassionate understanding of nature and the world in which they live.

A moving story, very well done.

Title: Enter the Fourth Age, Hastily · Author: Dwimordene · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 140
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-10-03 18:02:28
This drabble uses a very clever way to present the speech of the Ents.
The form -- using the dashes as pauses -- works very well to give us a
sense of the slowness of the language. The speech meanders to the
ending and shows the reader the difference between Ents and Hobbits
(and everyone else). And it may take a long time to get there, but
it's a nice way to say 'peace'. Very nicely done!

Title: Oliphaunts and String · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 658
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:11:02
This little story captures well how torn the grandmother must have
been between her love for her grandson, and her responsibilty for her
community. It's clear to see that Sméagol did have his lovable side,
and that it already shows signs now of disappearing under the
influence of the Ring, as well as his own dark, "sneaking" It seems to
be able to call forth rather effortlessly.

The casual cruelty against the frog - which might symbolically stand
in for Déagol - and the whiny denial of any culpability are apparently
nothing new for the grandmother, and the fact that the finding of the
body with clear marks of the murderer are no great surprise, are
chilling touches.

The ending was haunting, with the well-known idea of Gollum (and later
Frodo) losing their senses of seeing, hearing and so on.

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:12:12
Evocative and shocking, and hard to read in its gruesome consistency
of painful and humiliating details. The tight focus on Aragorn's PoV,
his immediate sensations and surroundings even increases the effect of
the narrative, as does the fast pacing. The language was precise and
descriptive in the smallest details.

The way the story is structured, the tension and horror keeps
increasing, and the readers are getting pulled into the happenings
more and more.

Contrasting all this with the beauty of the Lay of Leithian was
particularly haunting. As was the fact that at this point in time,
Aragorn has no expectation that his love for Arwen will ever be more
than one-sided and hopeless.

The ending with its arrival in a safe harbour (and knowledge of even
more happy things to come) was a very welcome relief.

Title: For the Dwarves, Gimli · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 155
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-10-03 18:15:04
I love the idea of Gimli's mother slipping extra socks and a treat in
his pack. And it was very nice of Gimli to share with Boromir. Those
scenes make the impact of the last more powerful, when Gimli's mother
discovers her son has gone on a quest. Poor Nandi!

Title: The Last Temptation · Author: Maeve Riannon · Genres: Drama:
Second Age or Earlier · ID: 264
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:18:38
Descriptive prose, filled with mystery, emotion and intensity. The
back-and-forth between flashbacks, visions, and present reality adds
to the enigmatic atmosphere, as the readers never know until the very
end where memory or vision begins and reality ends.

I think this is in fact the first story I have read about a connection
between Melian and her descendants, and it makes sense to me that if
there was still something of her in the forests of Doriath, she would
have done her best - futile thought it might prove to be in the end -
to help the twins.

Her "temptation", the desire to use the power of the Silmaril to do
good, only to have to realise that it would be a wrong step, reminds
me of Galadriel's struggles with and final rejection of the Ring.

The concept of Melian seems to be not directly uncanonical, in my
opinion, but stretching the bounds of canon in original and creative,
yet still plausible ways. I especially like the blurred, uncertain
line between Melian and the lands under her protection.

Title: Despair · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship
· ID: 171
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:19:44
Clear descriptions that bring the surroundings immediately to life, as
well as the characters down to gestures and facial expressions. Good
dialogue and pacing.

I liked the outside point of view Legolas has here on the relationship
between Aragorn and Boromir; and his interaction with both of them
seemed very natural and realistic.

The Ring somehow reaching out towards the other members of the
Fellowship is described chillingly, and it was a right move to
actually show how Legolas had his own moment of temptation, and that
it left him shaken.

To point out to Boromir the common ground between Gondor and Mirwood
was a good tactic for Legolas: it reminded Boromir that he was not the
only one wanting to protect his home.

I liked the ambiguous ending.

Title: Requesting Mercy · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 681
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:21:06
Evocative story-telling. The topic is haunting and thought-provoking,
and written in an appropriately serious, sensitive way, not only for
the shock value.

Mimicking Frodo's heartbeat throughout the story was a very effective
technique that gave the story a compelling rhythm and a steady
undercurrent of tension, especially as it also makes clear how anxious
Sam is in listening to its beat.

To have Sam's thoughts interrupted by the everyday acts of the camp,
and on musings on his companions, on the other hand, seems to show his
attempts at not worrying and holding on to hope; and also seems very
typical and in-character for Sam.

The intimate, strained atmosphere of the talk between Aragorn, Frodo
and Sam is conveyed very well.

Title: Divided · Author: Pen52 · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 223
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:22:09
Through the filter of Pippin's innocent inquisitiveness, difficult
concepts of good and evil, war and forgiveness, seem thrown into even
sharper relief. It appears as if even at the end, Pippin cannot fully
grasp those concepts, even though he might have begun to have an
understanding of the realities.

Boromir's bitter, unyielding stance against Haradrim is not only
contrasted by Aragorn's more discerning judgement, but also by the
readers' memory of Sam's thoughts later on when he sees his first
Haradric warrior.

Title: Measures of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 50
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:24:19
An emotionally-charged story, with believable characterisations and
good pacing. It represents a thought-provoking exploration of the
themes of aging, and especially the different speed of aging among the
different cultures of Men, here Gondorians and Rohirrim.

The force of Éowyn's feelings is conveyed very evocatively, as is the
uneasy mix of them, the very fact of Éowyn being torn between so very
different emotions. It must be particularly difficult for one of such
a vigorous and energetic (and proud) character as she is to feel being
increasingly hampered and constricted by the passing years, and always
see the contrast to her husband and others in Gondor and Ithilien with
"purer" Númenórean heritage than her own.

I like the subtle allusion to Éowyn the ice-maiden in this passage:
["Éowyn feels blood, rather than ice, course through her veins."], as
it is once more a confirmation that she has changed - much with
Faramir's help - since the days of the War of the Ring.

Faramir of course knows exactly what Éowyn feels, and instead of
trying to comfort her, which, I deem, she would have resented, he
prefers to show her his undiminished love and admiration directly, by
action, as he certainly knows she would prefer.

Title: Marking Fours · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 1
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:25:07
I like the increasing progression of time - such an original concept,
and it fits so well into the canon chronology and the development of
your story and Faramir's coming-to-terms with his father and the grief
over his death.

The fact that Faramir's grief returns in full when his son
acknowledges him as a father himself, after he had almost forgotten or
ignored it, strikes me as very true to life.

Having an always wider span of time after the event also allows other
factors to weigh in; it also gives the story a wider focus than just
Faramir's grief.

It is clear that even in the first part, with Denethor's death still
so fresh, he can focus on the hope the returned king brought him. And
in later parts, he can put aside his own warring emotions in his
compassion for others, or in the realisation that his father's shadow
does no longer hang over his life.

And the story shows him ultimately as an active, content, loved and
loving man in the New Age who does not let himself be consumed by his
dark past and bitter memories.

Title: Point, Counterpoint · Author: Marta · Races: Villains: Drabble
· ID: 573
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:27:24
This drabble has the feeling of the high, remote language of the
Ainulindalë but still stands very much on its own in tone and
interpretation. It makes Melkor's actions more comprehensible from a
human standpoint without losing his distance as a higher Power.

Melkor seems completely made of music, imbued with it and focused on
it, all the more after he failed to find the light, the Imperishable
Flame. As if the sound could drown out his sorrow, and as if it is
this very sorrow that manifests itself in the first disharmony. This
gives the disharmony a poignant interpretation: usually, it is seen as
disobedience and defiance on Melkor's part, but if that is not
everything there is to it, the disharmony and the "evil" it births
into the world also has a root that might be closer to "human"
understanding.

All the musical terms are used to great effect; they give the drabble
a distinct and detailed musical cast, but should be understandable
from context even to unmusical readers.

Title: Bounty · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 572
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-03 18:29:04
The undercurrent of sensuality gives this drabble a quietly thrumming
additional layer that casts all the overt references to scars and
wounds in a much more benign light. And to imagine that Faramir thinks
of these scars hidden under clothing and how he carressed them, how he
ventures beneath her cuff to the wound he can reach in this moment
when all the people of Ithilien are looking at them is a very exciting
idea.

Somehow, I find the title in conjunction with this reading very
poignant: Faramir uses these many lines that are part of his wife's
history to strengthen their mutual love, to give it new meaning for
the both of them.

Title: Lighting Fires · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 95
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 20:17:03
I do love this story. Estel's frustration is both so predictable and
so understandable – while Elrohir's sensitive way of dealing with him
is probably an indication of just how this lonely child-among-elves
grew up to be such a wise man. It must have been so exasperating for
the boy … Just fancy being surrounded be people who are not only
hundreds of years older than you, but have experienced everything you
possibly could. Probably several times over. Of course, Estel's
(older) childhood and adolescence must have been just as infuriating
for his `brothers' and `father' – who must, at times, pondered whether
or not an heir of Isildur was a truly necessary part of the history of
Middle Earth.

This is a lovely tale – a pleasure to read. Elrohir makes a great big
brother - and I think he is right to question Estel's lonely
development. The poor boy is growing up so quickly and outgrowing his
friends so that he is always alone. (Better get used to it, kid.)
Estel reacted very well to the 'test' - and even picked up the idea
that education had some value. Very responsible of him! (Although it's
unlikely to endure beyond a few tedious lessons.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this - and think that Elrohir makes a great
teacher. His adar should be very proud of him.


Title: The Harper · Author: juno_magic · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 10
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-04 02:27:56
A fine story of song and sorrow, centering on a young boy and a
strange, blind harper who comes to the boy's mountain village. The
story unfolds rather remarkably, saving the surprise until the end.


Title: Green · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 461
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:28:36
I don't think I've ever come across a more evocative and tantalizing
description of the scent of athelas. It is said that scent is one of
the most powerful of the senses, and the author certainly manipulates
my reactions very effectively in this drabble by playing on that.

The mere listing of odors that are and aren't associated with the herb
in question bring out the horror of the Nazgul and Black Breath,
first; and then relax me utterly with the litany that follows (["a
green scent, neither fir nor new willow nor fresh-cut hay..."]). The
final description of what brings Faramir back is just... sublime. I
think I particularly love that even though he has never encountered it
before, he ["recognizes at once"] what it is - as though the scent of
athelas, of hope, is imprinted on the human subconscious.

Title: Gifts of the People · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 472
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:28:57
Very nice portrayal of the ["people's king"]. It was a clever twist
that instead of foregoing any tithe, the people still gave
*something*, to keep up their pride in themselves and their kingdom.

Title: Mastering Men · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 623
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:29:43
Faramir is a complex character of many facets, particularly as
fanfiction has extrapolated from and expanded on Tolkien's prose. Very
often his sensitive nature is explored - very enjoyably - but I can
lose sight of a critical component of his personality: The noted
ability to lead, to ["master both beasts and men."] I think what I
love most about this drabble is how this is so ably rectified, and we
are shown the powerful and commanding man that his soldiers knew and
respected.

We get this through the very effective PoV of one of those soldiers,
at a time of intense and frightening battle. Not only is Osgiliath
being overrun, but this was the first incidence of the Nazgul, and
these were the only four to survive the casting down of the bridge.
There couldn't be a better situation chosen to highlight Faramir's
calm and collected response to horror: Guiding one soldier to assist
Boromir, aiding the injured to be ready to jump. Excellently done!

Title: Osgiliath · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 626
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:31:22
The first word that comes to mind when I read this drabble is still
the same as when I read it months ago: Brilliant. Every component
comes together perfectly. Boromir's voice is excellent and in
character. The descriptions are chillingly, almost painfully, vivid.
The phrasing, use of brief repetitions, contrasting images, the words
chosen - all convey the maximum impact and superbly flesh out the
sparse account that Boromir offers at Elrond's council. Really, it's a
bit unbelievable that everything somehow still fits within the
100-word limit...

There's so much about this drabble that I love. The entire exploration
of the attack on Osgiliath, the desperate battle to hold the line and
the horrifying effects of the Nazgul are all brought to mind with a
terrible immediacy. Boromir's battle lust and fierce refusal to fall -
goodness, I adore this: ["Boromir feels it, stands screaming it out
upon sword's edge."] So brief, and yet it completely, totally evokes a
powerful image and response in me.

Then the aftereffects, worse than the battle itself, when reflection
brings the creeping tendrils of despair settling in and twisting, the
realization that what he has based his life upon - battle training,
strategy, strength of arms, courage - none of it will suffice. From
here we can see the clear way forward to Boromir's future actions with
regards to the path of the Fellowship, and the Ring. ["Night departed,
but the Shadow remained."] Indeed - and within his own soul.

Title: Twice blessed is help unlooked for · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 631
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:32:05
This drabble not only does a wonderful job of capturing the emotions
of an oft-unsung hero at a moving moment upon the Pelennor Fields, but
its basic construction is a study in careful craftsmanship, designed
to perfectly frame the story. The image of Imrahil is presented so
vividly that I can feel his aches of heart and mind and body, followed
by the uplifting of his soul at the sight of the mighty one-time
Captain of Gondor.

I love the intro: ["For a few seconds, he thought it was a waking
dream."] Right away, I am drawn in and wondering about the moments to
come. Imrahil's battle-weariness is laid out with just a few evocative
and precisely worded phrases that set the scene exactly. I can sense
his awareness of the closeness of his own death in the common
superstition of being able to see the Dead when one is about to join them.

Only after this am I made aware of what has prompted these thoughts:
Thorongil - completely unexpected and yet profoundly welcome.
Imrahil's joy at realizing that this is no vision is a wonderful
testimony to the long-ago friendship they shared. It added a poignancy
and depth to the moment, and points forward to the relationship of
Prince and King after the battle is over. Finally, I loved the
appropriation of the title from Eomer's words, as it is just as
spot-on here.

In short, just a lovely, extremely well-written drabble which enhances
one of my all-time favorite Tolkien characters.