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Title: Iron to Iron · Author: mrkinch · Times: Second Age: Drabble ·
ID: 662
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-10-04 20:28:38
Mr. Kinch, this is indeed a thought-provoking drabble. Although not
what you would expect from a typical horror story, the fate of the
light of the two trees is horrific, from the lights' point of view.
And that's the point of "Iron to Iron."

Title: Of Echoes of Bruinen · Author: Berzerker Prime · Races: Elves ·
ID: 345
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-04 20:35:13
I always appreciate an effort to bring some of the dafter movie-verse
elements more in line with that of the books. This is an excellent
compromise, and puts paid to the idea that it was *Arwen* who called
down the waters of the Bruinen. Good job!

Title: The Stranger · Author: mistycracraft · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 89
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-10-04 20:48:43
This is a nice character piece that illustrates how someone,
specifically Strider, could look foul and feel fair to others as well
as Frodo. Edric, the son of the publican of an inn, observes a
particularly scruffy and frightening-looking customer. Since we know
right from the start who "The Stranger" is, what holds your interest
is how Edric's impressions change as he interacts with the customer.
The little twist at the end, rather than revealing the stranger's true
identity, makes Edric wonder even more "who was that guy?"

Title: The Essence of Fire · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 278
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-04 21:13:12
Another accurate portrayal of a Feanorion painted with words by
Rhapsody. This one is a great drabble that captures the nature of fire
in the form of Curufin's inner monologue -- the fire that could be
both the tool in a craftsman's hand or a deadly weapon in a warrior's
hand. The duality of the element shows both its creative and
destructive powers and wonderfully harmonizes with Curufin's
reflection on his own life.

Excellently done!

Title: A Life Between - No Secrets · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races:
Men: General Drabble · ID: 446
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:27:10
This gorgeously- written companion piece to [A Life Between II]
provides another warm and intimate glimpse into Boromir and Théodred's
relationship. It's clear that theirs is a long-standing association:
they know exactly what touch will rouse each other quickly (and
Kortirion's imagery here is particularly delightful, depicting these
mighty warriors in more tender and playful moments.) But it's not just
the physical dimension of their relationship - either of them could
have whatever lover they pleased, at any time - but the emotional
intimacy that is displayed so powerfully here. More than just lovers,
they are soulmates, privy to and fully understanding of each other's
most secret fears and hopes and dreams.

The secret they do not ever share, though, is their acceptance of the
inevitability of each other's untimely death. Kortirion's final line
[Little intimacies binding them so tightly; there was no space between
for secrets – except, unspoken dread of the other's death.] is
exquisite in its poignancy.

Title: Field of Dreams · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama · ID: 374
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:28:18
What an unusual and thought-provoking story! We never do hear many of
the details, do we, of life (that is, survival) in the immediate
aftermath of the Ring War. Was Denethor farsighted enough to set up
emergency granaries and seed storage against these dark days? How
would Gondor and the other lands of Middle-earth deal with the
severely reduced labor force? How quickly could the kingdom be
repopulated, and what changes might be necessary in society to
expedite this? Most importantly, how would the most generous and
compassionate of kings and stewards deal with these challenges?

Your original character is very engaging – I immediately felt empathy
with her as she labored so desperately to fulfill her late husband's
role. The description of the woman finding a moment's rest in
sharpening the scythe was heartrending – it wasn't even rest, just a
few stolen moments of less tiredness. The stream-of-consciousness
writing style works very well here; it's so very realistic - women's
minds in the Fourth Age have to continually multi task in the very
same way, don't they? Women haven't really changed, or gained, a whole
lot since then.


Title: Concealment · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: With Rohirrim ·
ID: 649
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:30:15
It's a very great pleasure to welcome a newcomer to the fold of
Boromir/Theodred writers! It's always a thrill to see how different
authors interpret our OTP, adding their own unique seasoning to this
delectable pair. This gorgeously and thoughtfully written story
touches upon several of my very favorite elements, integrating them
into a tale that is both deliciously sensuous and bittersweet as only
a encounter between these twice-doomed lovers can be.

Dol Amroth as a setting is an inspired touch - it's Gondor, yet
Not-Gondor, a bit mysterious and exotic as any port city can be,
steeped in ancientry but also far enough from the rigorous
circumspectness of the capital. It makes perfect sense that Theodred
would be sent to represent his country at whatever ceremonies would be
traditional (or to bear official condolences if he didn't get there in
time. ) It also makes perfect sense that a young and hotblooded prince
would seek to take his leisure there as soon as his most pressing
diplomatic duties were done, and that a companion familiar with the
city and its delights should be his guide. A very clever move on
Theodred's part: it's also a bit amusing that he is able to survey the
situation and quickly formulate a plan while Boromir is still a bit
shaky with shock over being pounced upon so vigorously in the garden.

The pouncing in the garden - I really chortled to myself over that!.
It's so, so, Theodred, wanting instant gratification (and knowing that
Boromir wants it just as much) but forgetting, for the moment at
least, the need for self control and restraint. I particularly liked
that you touched upon his recognition of the great cultural divide
between Rohan and Gondor in the matter of sexual mores, and his
gratitude to have been born a Rohir. It is a significant factor in
much of their angst, that sexual expression that is as free and
natural as breathing for Theo can be regarded with disgust and horror
in Gondor. And the risks for Boromir are even greater, just because of
who he is.

And oh, I can't forget this, which made my heart leap with delight
even as I sighed with heartache: [ This felt right; he could not
imagine anything else more perfect... Théodred knew he would sire an
heir one day, for that was his duty, but it would always be only that
for him. Only duty. Never this...]

Not mere lust - they could each have any lover they wanted, at any
time - but the sense that the other truly is their soulmate, and the
depth of their relationship transcends mere physical attraction. It's
such a perfect expression of the devotion they share.


Title: The Horses of Eorl · Author: Branwyn · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 477
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:31:38
In this sequel to her startling and unforgettable drabble "Blackest
Fate", Branwyn effectively utilizes a minor canon character to explore
the themes of compassion, recovery and renewal.

Black steeds, now released from their slavery in Mordor, have been
returned to Rohan, but, like their human counterparts, are too badly
scarred emotionally to reclaim their place in equine society.
Assistance in their care comes from an unexpected source, Radagast the
Brown, known and loved throughout Middle-earth for his empathy and
skill with all good beasts. With patience and gentleness he wins their
trust, until their leader, a great-hearted stallion, seeks Radagast's
healing touch.

Exquisite imagery is a hallmark of Branwyn's writing, and this tale,
though simple, provides lovely detail. It's very easy to visualize the
furrowed brow of the young king, concerned for the welfare of all his
subjects, both human and equine; Radagast looking like St. Francis in
his [tattered brown cloak]; the stableyard scents of hay and dust and
horseflesh. Any appearance by Radagast is a cause for rejoicing; his
presence in this tale is like a blessing.



Title: Well-Lettered (The Director's Cut) · Author: Ribby · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 762
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:39:11
This all so wonderfully true to character, for both of them. Lines
like ["He had spent so much time outside that he had begun to forget
that smell"] say so much about Faramir, past and present; what you
leave unsaid is his appreciation and gratitude that now he has the
leisure to devote, once again, to scholarly arts. There's such a sense
of peacefulness here; that Faramir has finally caught up with his
other tasks well enough to reward himself with an hour doing what he
loves.

What a wonderful moment of surprise, and curiosity, when he discovers
that his favorite tome is in the hands of another reader! We can
almost imagine his heart giving a little leap at the idea of finding a
kindred spirit at last. And what a thrill, for both of them, to
discover the identity of the other scholar who loves that very book as
much as they do?

[His king, dressed in unfamiliar plain garb...]
Oh, this is just perfect imagery: the king dressed in plain garb so as
to not distract the other scholars with either his presence, or his
interest in scholarly pursuits. It's a side of Aragorn I don't believe
has been explored nearly enough. Well done!

[Faramir, after hesitating briefly, joined him, losing his worries
again in the beauty of the language and the tales.]Oh, that's just
lovely, and so very "them". And the last line: [... scholars both,
heads touching and hands crossing over the parchment, the world
outside and its cares forgotten ...] is sheer perfection in
illustrating the comforting friendship they will find in each other.
*Applauds*

(Sorry for the cut & paste! I couldn't come up with anything better
than what I'd already written.)


Title: Taking Leave · Author: Soubrettina · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 326
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:41:24
In her last months and weeks of life, wracked by an illness she has
taken great pains to conceal, Eowyn calls upon her oldest friend for
support as she prepares for her final journey. It makes perfect sense
to me that Eowyn would reach out to Aragorn – I think Faramir, and her
other blood kin, would find the experience horribly emotionally
draining (and then feel guilty for feeling that way.) . So, just as in
our day those whose lives are drawing to a close move into hospice
care, Aragorn (and Arwen) come to Emyn Arnen to ease the passage for
Eowyn and her loved ones. Each time I reread this, I am brought to
tears by Aragorn's offer of the cup that will bring Eowyn peace, and
her understanding and acceptance of that gift. The hands of the king
bring not only healing, but compassion as well.

The image of Arwen, both horrified and fascinated by the actual
mechanics of death, is quite an interesting one – she never has been
present for such an occasion, has she? That foreshadowing of what she
can expect when Aragorn passes on, is both tender and bittersweet. But
the idea of Eowyn and Aragorn sharing a grandchild is a lovely note of
hope, the continuation of Eowyn's bright spirit carrying on and
upholding the line of kings. A very moving and memorable story.




Title: Postponing the Inevitable · Author: EdorasLass · Genres:
Romance: With Rohirrim · ID: 755
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-05 01:45:31
What a gorgeous character study of Théoden. Of course, it's all
interwoven with the blissful alternate universe we've created for
Rohan, where the national motto is, "Life is short – seize your joy."
In our Rohan, sexual pleasure is one of the great, if fleeting, joys
of life, to be savored without guilt or shame. The conflict between
the Rohirric mores, and those of Gondor, are sources of much
delightful angst, but in this story, the angst is taking a different turn.

EdorasLass's Théoden is a loving, generous, if somewhat indulgent
father, even to his thirtysomething son. For fifteen years, from the
very beginning, Théoden has been aware of the relationship between his
son and Gondor's heir. Free of the need for displeasure over the
nature of relationship itself, Théoden's concern is over the
inevitable heartbreak that would ensue at the end of the affair. To
spare both his son, and his son's lover, unnecessary pain, he has for
several years postponed or avoided the issue in council. Now, though,
with both political and biological clocks ticking (for the Rohirrim
have not the extended lifespans of their Numenorean allies), the issue
is beginning to become more urgent, the need to guarantee the
succession more pressing.

What is intriguing is that EdorasLass has set this tale fifteen years
into the relationship (TA 3011). Boromir and Théodred did not meet
their doom until six years later. Did Theoden disregard dynastic needs
altogether, and give those last six years as a gift to his son? Did he
sense, as perhaps Théodred did himself, that the second line of kings
of the Mark would be sacrificed to insure the survival of Rohan?

Title: Subdivisions · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 551
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-05 03:09:01
There are so many parts of this story that are so *funny* - the
Starbucks, the curry shop in Gondor, the in-text reference to [Mrs.
Narrator] - but by the end I found myself strangely sobered. Aliana
has profound skill for getting at heavy themes with a feather-light
touch, and she uses it to good affect in this piece.

I think the part that will have me thinking for a while yet is the
busted shop window that at first our narrator thinks is some sort of a
terrorist attack. In a way it is - the shoddy construction
encapsulates all that the characters hate about the modern world, and
something as simple as substandard building construction could be seen
as a terroristic attack, at least in a city as grand and *old* as
Minas Tirith is.

So good work, Aliana. I had my doubts about whether a PoMo Gondor
could work, but you pleasantly surprised me.

Title: Steward and Thain · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 87
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 03:29:10
A sensitive and sympathetic portrait of Boromir through the
development of his friendship with Pippin and the exploration of what
they had in common, during the Fellowship. Fans of Denethor's
firstborn should especially enjoy the tale, but it makes for an
enjoyable reading experience for all who like both book and movie
treatment of FOTR>

Title: Tolkien's Usage of "Thou" and "Thee" · Author: DrummerWench ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 443
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:10:56
Outstanding essay addressing an often misunderstood topic. Very
clearly written, with good organization and links. I found the essay
quite helpful in unraveling the mysteries of the Thee/Thou speech
patterns occasionally employed in LOTR and in some fanfiction pieces
(including my own). Thank you, Drummer Wench, for taking on this
subject so germane to Tolkien fanfiction.



Title: Divine Intervention · Author: Meril · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 68
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:12:00
Ooh, this is delightful! Maybe a bit more Homeric than Tolkienesque,
but quite delightful.

Here are two views of the highest goddesses in Tolkien's Valarin
pantheon - Varda and Yavanna, presented poetically, elegantly, and
somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I love the concept of cosmically powerful
and perfectly beautiful Varda being a bit neurotic about an ordered
universe. And her younger sister Yavanna is, of course, a cheerful
slob and very bratty in an earth-goddess Mother Naturish kind of way;
she is one Mother Nature you don't want to offend. (love her constant
reference to Aragorn as "Scruffy").

I hope the writer will do more chapters about more of the Valar.

Title: Gentlemen's Night Out · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 181
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:14:30
An amusing variation on the theme of LACE (Laws and Customs of the
Eldar), as Erchirion remembers a conversation with three Elves after
Sauron's fall. Things are not what they appear, as Erchirion learned;
and Elves are not as straight-laced as the Numenorean writer of LACE
thought them to be. Using the Elves to debunk Tolkien's speculations
is a rather audacious, and clever, literary mechanism; since LACE
itself can be taken at face value or be made subject to argument as a
historical document.

Brisk dialogue and an entertaining, fast-paced story.

Title: Tea and Seedcake and the Influence of Hobbits · Author: Baggins
Babe · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 492
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:20:03
This is a comparatively rare fanfic story, in that the changes in
pre-and-post-RingWar Gondor are viewed through the eyes of an original
character. BagginsBabe has created a credible OMC, a merchant from
Lebennin, who comes to Minas Tirith to see how the White City fares;
and ends up quite favorably impressed.

The author captures the rising tide of optimism, new life and
construction in the City quite well. I particularly enjoyed
Merlindor's impressions of the Elves and Dwarves working together.

Title: Letter to Frodo · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 540
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:21:10
A sweet vignette from AmandaK's Boromir Lives! AU; wherein Boromir,
returned home at last, tries to reach out to Frodo, to whom he still
feels a debt is owed.

Faramir and Boromir's relationship is well written in an understated
and believable way.

Title: A Passing Troll · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 210
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:21:43
Snork! Not all hobbits are pleasant; and some are guests whose hosts
can't wait for them to leave. I ended up feeling rather sorry for the
puny troll with indigestion.

Nice bits of understated humor here.

Title: An Alphabet for Middle-earth · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 231
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:25:12
A daunting challenge most elegantly and thoroughly answered. Here,
Dreamflower goes through an alphabet of unusual challenge prompts, and
runs the gamut from romance to spirituality, wargs to Valar, hobbits
and princes and Dunedain and dwarves...The story of Bombur's
difficulties while climbing the Lonely Mountain is one of the most
innovative pieces of fanfic I've seen (and a great reply to a
difficult prompt); and Frodo's beautiful sestina the most moving.

A comprehensive and engaging tour of Arda...

Title: Reconcilation · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 86
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-05 05:26:47
A well-crafted, meticulously delineated story focussing on the
training of various younger members of the Swan Knights during Prince
Imrahil's youth. The story is a spinoff of the series about the long
brotherhood between Imrahil and his Southron friend and sworn brother,
Andrahar of Umbar.

Very credible stuff here about the training of the esquires, and the
political and personal difficulties caused, through no fault of his
own, of Andrahar's presence in the Swan Knights.

Title: Fun with Farm'n · Author: Súlriel · Races: Villains: Drabble ·
ID: 269
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-05 06:54:26
Ah, what a creepy, twisted drabble. Very funny in a disrturbing way,
and quite 'orcish', if I may say so. It gives me chills, especially
the last line. Very well done!

Title: Who The Sword Devours · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men · ID: 364
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-05 10:03:18
Nancy herself has stated it most appropriately--in this story indeed
our beloved Boromir does behave most badly indeed, in this tale in
which the story of David and Bathsheba comes to Minas Tirith. We've
heard so much of the tale of the destruction of the Bridge of
Osgiliath--now we see it directly, and the death of the betrayed
soldier Boromir himself raised from obscurity and then sent east to
Faramir's assistance that Boromir might sate himself with his
favorite's intended. And, in the end, he seeks to save his friend,
only to find him dead of an orc arrow once he pulls the two of them
from the river.

To think on all this as he recovers in the ruins of drowned Tharbad as
he heads further north in search of Imladris and broken swords and
enlightment as to Hobbits standing forth....

Very well written with a good deal of scholarship.

Title: Gifts of the People · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 472
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-05 10:07:36
Our beloved Aragorn knows not to ask what cannot be paid as the tithes
come due; and he is rewarded with love if not riches.

Title: Those Darned Socks! · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 188
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-05 10:25:43
Ah, yes, learning to darn socks had been suggested as a useful skill,
one Boromir had disdained at the time. But now, after the quest is
over and he is known now as Erandir, perhaps he might learn from the
one he has taken as his wife....

A sweet, short tale.