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Title: A Life Between - No Secrets · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races:
Men: General Drabble · ID: 446
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-10-13 22:30:00
Boromir and Theodred always seem to me to be a very plausible slash
pairing. Boromir is openly described as being disinterested in
marriage, no wife or children are given Theodred in canon, despite his
being Theoden's only son.

This is a lovely, sensual drabble, describing in few words the
intimacy, knowledge and fear that can only occur in a long-term
relationship.


Title: Bliss and Beauty · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabble
· ID: 20
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-10-13 22:35:37
[Two feet, fleeting, dancing; two graceful hands weaving music into
motion; two bright eyes laughing at him, laughing for him.]

A lovely description of Idril, and a concise, poetic description of
one of the most important relationships in Tolkien. My only complaint
is that I'd be most interested in a longer treatment of the subject!



Title: Swan Song · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 637
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-10-13 22:40:36
I am pleased if I provided the inspiration for this lovely drabble,
which delicately delineates a melancholy moment in the life of one of
Imrahil's ancestors, who also possesses my Imrahil's dreaming "gift".
Which is a two-edge sword here…


Title: Gifts · Author: Acacea · Genres: Humor: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 500
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-10-13 23:31:03
Heh! I was expecting the usual sort of by-play between the Steward and
an adolescent or adult Faramir, not Denethor dealing with toddler
Faramir so that Finduilas could take a nap! Very sweet and very funny
at the end.

Title: A Kingly Discussion · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 780
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 00:24:55
For me, very few LOTR fanfiction stories come close to capturing the
unique character of Tolkien's hobbits. This is one of them.

GamgeeFest writes an outstanding hobbit vignette; set several years
after the Ring War, with Gaffer Gamgee getting a letter from King
Elessar and sharing it with some friends. The dialogue and speech
patterns sounded very hobbitish. I loved the attention paid by the
hobbits to Aragorn, and all Men's, knowledge of their lineage,
ancestry seems even more important to hobbits than to Heirs of Isildur
and GamgeeFest, and the Gaffer, remember this. The pity shown by the
hobbits towards Men, whose fragile feet blister so easily, is amusing
and credible.

The Gaffer is well-written; I can see his likeness to his son, even if
he is somewhat more provincial; he respects courtesy and kindness.

Very enjoyable!

Title: In the Bleak, Cold Winter · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 493
Reviewer: PipMer · 2007-10-14 01:14:08
This was a sweet story, centering on the relationships between Sam,
Frodo and Merry. The backstory for this, told in "Under the Harvest
Moon", is that Sam and Merry had a falling out after one of Merry's
pranks put Sam into trouble with his Gaffer; their relationship was
never the same after that. This story takes place several years later;
their relationship is still strained, but Merry is doing his utmost to
win back Sam's trust.

The interaction between the three hobbits takes place as Sam is
healing from a badly sprained ankle. Sam, of course, is hesitant to
rely on the masters to take care of him, and part of the story deals
with how Sam comes to terms with receiving help from his 'betters.'
Another sweet aspect to the story is a developing relationship between
Merry and the healer, Miss Willow.

A capital tale!

Title: The White Tower · Author: Anna Wing · Races: Elves · ID: 528
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 01:51:05
Definitely one of the best post-Silmarillion Valinor stories I can
remember reading, and one of Anna Wing's best tales as well.

Elwing is written excellently; as woman and elf; she is not sitting
idly by pining for Earendil to come home from his star-bearing
routine. She rules a domain, and rules it well. The embassy of the
reborn Feanorian twins troubles the peace of her domain and her own
peace of mind; and thereby hangs the tale.

I loved the details about the Valinorean Elven technological progress;
the sky-ships and submarine. Earendil is also characterised very well;
and the resolution was quite moving and believable.

Title: The Broideress Arc · Author: Maeve Riannon · Times: First Age
and Prior · ID: 745
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 03:01:44
A vivid and unusual portrait of the ill-fated Miriel Serinde. The
first chapter is not my favorite, but sets up the rest; and the rest
is haunting. The ending is unexpected and packs a punch; but works.
Special kudos to the Indis-Miriel confrontation; which does justice to
both ladies.

Title: The Land of Gift · Author: Maeve Riannon · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 108
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 03:11:15
Intriguing foray into a possible fate of Tuor and Idril - there's an
element of Greek mythology here that works well; and the ending is
quite appropriate and beautiful in a bittersweet way.

Title: The Horses of Eorl · Author: Branwyn · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 477
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:55:45
I hadn't thought of the horses... but surely they suffered and needed
healing too. Radagast was a masterful choice.

Title: Blackest Fate · Author: Branwyn · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 476
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:56:16
Oooooh. This was heartbreaking, even as it left me reeling. There is
poetry in the carefully chosen words and images: [They spoke of simple
things--of galloping through the grass as it bowed before the wind, of
resting where clear water washed the flat stones. Of the first glimpse
of home above a distant ridge.] And perfect in its timing and
delivery. Very well done! I'd love to see more on this subject
(complete with liberation, and healing).

Title: Gold Rings and Sam · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Poetry · ID: 501
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:56:26
LOL! Extremely clever mimicking of the genre, a perfect parody.
*applauding* Won't quote or give details, wouldn't want to give away
the delight.

Title: Calm after the Storm · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 350
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:56:42
So much is told in this small space, so much hinted at, layers within
layers, a much deeper story, of which we see only a glimpse here.
Nicely done.

Title: All in a Day's Work · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 421
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:57:15
*applauding* O very well done, indeed. Masterful storytelling,
advancing the plot with each varying viewpoint (and for some reason it
was a relief that all POVs were on the side of good, even the
reluctant merchant, drawing a clearer distinction between good and
evil). I found myself cheering the farmer on, in his decisive action,
nodding at the preparations and strategy, hushing when the story
hushed, and leaping forward eagerly to the finish as the action swirled.

While this could as easily been a much longer work, it stands very
well as it is. (More impressive, maybe, considering the constraints of
the drabble form.)

Title: A Need To Know · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring
War · ID: 776
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:57:40
Ah, Pearl, this was so very hobbity. I love your shrewd Farmer Cotton,
and his methods worked very well, didn't they? He knew just what
buttons to push, to find his answer. MEWD.

Title: A Mother's Touch · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 04:59:50
Very original thought here: mundane subject plus Tolkien character
combined into a diverting read. The footnotes show a depth of research
comprising as many words as the story.

Title: Dangerous Place · Author: Ushmushmeifa · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 590
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-14 05:00:12
Sadly wrenching, tragic in its detail. A plausible reason for a
decision made. Nice sketch, too, of the brothers' relationship.

Title: Time · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 414
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 05:01:00
Unusual and sensitively written story about Legolas' interest in a
mortal tragedy. The Elven archer, while exploring Ithilien with
Faramir, comes across an old and ruined house, and wonders as to the
fate of those who lived there.

Legolas' resolve to find the names of the unknown family and its
members makes for good juxtaposition of human and Elven attitudes
towards mortality and the value of individual life. Faramir is also
well-written; as is an OFC.

Title: Stirrings of Shadow · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 233
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 05:08:50
One of the most believably written, and interesting, Rohan stories I
have yet read in Tolkien fanfiction - all the more laudable, since
Fiondil throws Thorongil and some Elves into the mix as well as
Thengel, Morwen and many other characters into the mix.

Aragorn-a.k.a.-Thorongil is quite honest about being raised in
Imladris, which is an interesting and refreshing development; thus
facilitating Elven/Rohirrim interaction.

There's a serio-comic arc in the beginning of the story that is
particularly readable; when Thorongil makes a very minor mistake in
speaking the Eorling language, and ends up in a dungeon, and then
faces Thengel-King's justice and punishment.

I am awestruck by the depth of Fiondil's language skills, not only in
the construction of words and sentences, but in the understanding of
the nuances and minutiae. The linguistic details don't clog the story,
but advance it. Fiondil's skill extends to the politics and customs of
the Mark; the reader feels that he/she is actually there in the realm
of the horse-lords.

I look forward to the continuance and end of the story.



Title: Tillecking Night in Bree · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men:
General Drabble · ID: 455
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-14 05:13:16
The hobbit youngsters remind me of future Christmas Carolers; perhaps
this is the genesis of the custom in later Middle-earth. There's an
appropriate air of mystery surrounding the two Rangers; and the
drabble as a whole has a Dickensian flair.



Title: Clothes Make the Man · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Drabble · ID: 625
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-14 08:06:23
So many things are being shown in this drabble, which is as smooth and
subtle and refreshing as Celeborn himself.

The characterizations are marvelous - all four of them, whether
speaking or non-speaking roles - and play out against each other
perfectly in this well-chosen setting, a "missing scene" from the
Appendices in RotK. First, there is a wonderful description of
Galadriel, which captures her overtly powerful presence and uses a
wholly apt metaphor to do so. Then, we receive a deft and insightful
look into Celeborn and Galadriel's relationship: Celeborn quietly
tolerating [Noldorin obsessions]; his gentle reassurance and
encouragement of Aragorn upon Galadriel's departure; and his oblique
support of his mate's plans, achieved in his own more subtle fashion.

["Humor her."] The concept of anyone humoring Galadriel still makes me
laugh aloud.

Aragorn's discomfort with the extravagant clothing pressed upon him is
well shown, and would be exactly my expectation of a wandering Ranger
with his sensibilities; and his reaction to the comment about Arwen
(who is indeed deep enough to look beyond mere fancy dress, title
notwithstanding) is simply priceless.

This is lovely, delightful, touching and humorous, all at once; a
highly nuanced and very enjoyable gift for any reader.

Title: A Queen Among Farmers' Wives · Author: Imhiriel · Genres:
Humor: Drabble · ID: 635
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-14 08:09:06
As a long-time married person myself, I always enjoy an inside look at
the various couples of Middle-earth. As she often does, Imhiriel draws
on the unusual and little-visited corners of Arda for her examination
of a humorous inter-marital spat (and make-up), by focusing on a
husband and wife team that gets even less attention in fanfiction, I
think, than it does in Tolkien's books.

It starts with an oblique tie-in to the enigmatic Tom Bombadil and the
hinted friendship between him and Farmer Maggot, who must have been
drunk indeed to wander back singing *that* song - a friendship that I
seldom recalled, actually, until Imhiriel's drabble gave me this
indelible image to imprint on my memory.

The title is a perfect play on Frodo's quote, with the twist of Mrs.
Maggot's promised greeting for her returning wayward husband. The
unexpected resolution always leaves me laughing and reflecting on the
resiliency of hobbits. In fact, the entire drabble gives me a definite
"hobbity" feeling, perhaps because of the irrepressible joy. And the
love, certainly the love.

This drabble is very charming, and well-written and so structured as
to paint a clear picture, with wonderful touches like the [off-key
singing] and [tapping his nose]. It never fails to leave me with a
delighted grin.

Title: Rauros, golden Rauros-falls · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor:
Drabble · ID: 624
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-14 08:26:01
As many times as I've read this, I'm still guiltily snickering and
chuckling by the end of it... Poor Boromir. It's cruel enough that
Tolkien killed him off as a plot device to send Frodo and Sam off to
Mordor alone, thus robbing him of ever seeing his beloved Gondor
redeemed after a lifetime spent in fighting for it; and also
oh-so-conveniently removed one possible obstacle to Aragorn's ascension.

Fortunately, fanfiction has given readers the opportunity to see that
scenario revised, with varying degrees of success. Imhiriel plays on
that desire that so many possess, of having Boromir somehow live past
Parth Galen, and hands us a very funny twist on the premise. It would
not be nearly so successful if the writing did not call up so clearly
the vision of the funeral boat and Boromir's condition, and the
approaching "code red" situation.

Ah, if only Aragorn and Legolas's lament had lasted just a little bit
longer...

Title: Bathing Boromir · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 645
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-14 08:30:19
I really enjoy Ioreth's characterization here. In a bit of an
about-face from her somewhat silly portrayal in RotK, she is shown as
a strong individual dealing with simpering, dallying fools along with
her serious work of healing. I like her protective stance over the
beloved son of the Steward.

Title: To Represent the Elves · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Humor
· ID: 810
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-14 12:48:59
This is a lovely glimpse at the attempts of some of the members of the
Fellowship in getting acquainted. Pippin (the youngest of the
Fellowship) and Legolas (the oldest, if one doesn't count Gandalf)
have a delightful conversation about playing games and whether one is
too old for them. I loved that Legolas, while the consummate Elf with
all the inherent poise of his race, can be tripped up by one Hobbit.

["Master Legolas, Pip!" Merry piped up from in front of them, and
Legolas nearly stumbled at the term. He preferred to dispense with
formalities.]

And Pippin's mendacious explanation of why he knows Legolas is an elf
is so typically hobbitish and hysterically funny.

Legolas' character is aptly delineated by such terse phrases
as:[...Legolas scouted ahead, watched and listened, counseled with
Aragorn and Gandalf, and avoided the dwarf and Man of Gondor. Silence
was his mantle, caution his guide.] Yet, he's not above a little
teasing, as he actually answers Pippin's question about his age just
so he can see the Hobbit's reaction. His response to Aragorn's teasing
was also funny.

Legolas may indeed be one of the youngest elves in all of
Middle-earth, yet he is quite capable of representing his race with
all the necessary grace required. I am sure Pippin and the other
Hobbits will make sure of that.