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Msg# 8439
MEFA Reviews for November 24, 2007 (Part 1) Posted by Ann November 24, 2007 - 6:00:16 Topic ID# 8439Title: A Passing Troll · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 210
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 08:31:12
This is such a fitting end to a very vile character. Hyacinth had it
coming! I love the way Sam solves the little troll problem in this
too. Very clever! And, yes, I do think that Hyacinth is vile enough to
give any Troll an upset stomach.
Title: Fissures · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Dwarves · ID: 804
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-17 08:58:25
You demonstrated so well how Gimli is changing, as a result of being
the friend of an elf, even if he isn't aware of all the ways he's
different. You write Gimli as well as any fanfic writer I've read.
It was easy to see both points of view, which, to me, is one of the
marks of a good storyteller. And you are definitely that.
I like the multiple meanings of the title.
Title: Awed in the Presence of Beauty · Author: Istarnie · Races:
Elves · ID: 517
Reviewer: geek_chick · 2007-11-18 02:58:56
I love this story, it is short and sweet, yet has a lot of depth to
it! Maybe this was your intention, but much of the story could also be
describing a lover instead of a child -- when I first read this story
a while back, I did think at first that the story was about Feanor
instead! (I guess I didn't take the hint from the quote at the
beginning that the story was about a child!) So the last few lines are
a nice little twist, and made me want to read the story again in this
new context. I love how Nerdanel seems to suddenly appreciate the
unique beauty in her son, realizing that he is more beautiful than
even the great Two Trees or the Valar's physical forms! And we all
know how much the Elves loved the light of the Two Trees so that is
saying a lot... Then after describing how beautiful he is, I like how
you continue on with Nerdanel's response to that beauty, and how she
wants to do everything she can for him no matter what he desires. I
also like how you describe Maitimo's movements; I could just picture a
beautiful little red-haired baby in her arms, looking around in
amazement! Also an interesting opening sentence, it sounds like
Nerdanel has already communicated with Maitimo through dreams, which
is a nice touch and fits with Tolkien's idea of fea being able to
communicate. Overall, a lovely little story!
Title: Once Upon a Strongbow · Author: Legolass · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 685
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-18 03:10:38
This is a touching and clever story that weaves the tale of two
friendships, both between an elf and a man but separated by ages and
told from differing prospectives.
We see the friendship of the two tragic figures of Túrin Turambar and
Beleg Strongbow and the much more familiar friendship between Aragorn
Ellessar and Legolas Greenleaf. The two stories are woven like a rich
tapestry and doesn't fail to touch the heart.
The reader is treated to a most entertaining tale, complete with
endearing children, who are not only rapt listeners but wonderful
participants in the telling.
Title: The Long Winter · Author: Baranduin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 159
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:33:49
Written in a lovely, intimate, warm and almost cosy style that
perfectly fits with Sam telling a story by the fireside on a night of
fierce snow.
Sam's voice is captured very well.
The charming "real world" folk take is transferred smoothly into a
Middle-earth context as seen from the points of view of Hobbits. I
like the way themes of Sam's and Frodo's "own" Quest are woven into
the tale.
Title: Moira · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 676
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:34:36
Beautiful, lyrical style; exquisite use of metaphors and imagery.
This is such a wonderful and creative idea of the origin of Hobbits,
and it fits so very neatly into the the themes of the Ainulindalë,
expands on it, and fills a gap that I'm sure many have wondered about.
I appreciate it very much that you didn't focus on the Hobbits alone,
that you showed their beginning in the larger context of the origin of
the other races - to contrast and compare, yes, but in the end, to
show that they are all the Children of Ilúvatar.
The images invoked represent the essence of what Hobbits are and what
they stand for in Eru's creation (and in Tolkien's).
The homey, idyllic scene Manwë witnesses is capured vividly and
poignantly, radiating warmth and comfort and contentment.
The story ends of an very uplifting note; Eru entrusting the Hobbits
to Manwë himself and his helpers. And as we have seen, in the end this
charge was upheld faithfully.
Title: The Lining of the World · Author: Ruby Nye · Races: Hobbits:
Drabble · ID: 734
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:35:08
Beautifully and movingly written, with some piercingly bright images
at the end.
Tobold Banks, an original character, is brought fully to life to the
readers; his character, his fate during the Troubles, and his courage,
undaunted by his imprisonment. A great achievement to not only
recapitulate the personal history, but also to interweave it so
smoothly with the narrative in a narrative voice with fits perfectly
with how I imagine Tobold would sound like.
It is just so "hobbity" to give the familiar notion of "taking one's
enemy with oneself into death" a less violent and revengeful twist,
when he thinks that in this way he has helped to keep save the Shire
and his family, and so accepts the price he himself had to pay.
Wonderful feeling of his bond with land and nature, even in his final
moments; and a marvellous depiction of his acceptance of his death and
the joyful experience of what comes after.
Title: Looking Awfully Hard · Author: Gryffinjack · Races: Hobbits:
Merry and Pippin · ID: 779
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:36:05
A convincing take on how Pippin might have told Merry of his
experiences in the White City.
Smooth continuation in style of the canonical passage quoted in the
beginning, which then segues quite naturally into a more personal look
at the Hobbits' feelings.
Title: Like Falling Asleep Again · Author: lbilover · Races: Hobbits:
Merry and Pippin · ID: 299
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:36:43
The deep love and affection Pippin and Merry have for each another is
conveyed very well. I liked the view back over their lives; what has
changed, what hasn't. There was a wistfulness in it, but also
acceptance. Wonderfully moving ending with the two flowers from the
White Tree representing their passing.
Title: Testaments of the Past · Author: Dreamflower/Gryffinjack
CoAuthors · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 549
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:37:17
A wonderful idea, beautifully and carefully realised.
The characterisations are perfect, taking book canon and taking then
into account how they might have developed in the intervening years.
The interaction is completely on target, vivid and natural. The
emotions are conveyed clearly and evocatively. The changes of mood
that the different mementos and memories engender are conveyed
realistically and smoothly.
The descriptions bring Bag End really to life in all details, as well
as the papers and other paraphernalia the story is about.
It was so wonderful to read about how they discover document after
document and tell stories of their meaning and importance, fill bare
facts of the stations of several Hobbits' history with vibrant life.
And how Frodo in particular is once again *present* in their midst.
The care and intricacy with which the "artifacts" have been created
and reproduced really impressed me, and I thought it gave the story
even more impact and resonance.
Title: Living Tales · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 806
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:37:31
A nice gap-filler, with good character interaction. Lovely
descriptions of Rivendell and its surroundings - the impressive
mountains-and-waterfalls landscape really came to life.
I enjoyed the speculations about Boromir.
Title: Tom Cotton · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 774
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:38:00
A deeply moving look on Tom Cotton's thoughts on his twice-over
brother-in-law and the changes his adventure and the company he kept
has wrought in him.
There is melancholy there, and regret, that their once deep friendship
has altered and Sam is now friends with the ["gentlehobbits"], but no
real resentment; rather the opposite: Tom appreciates that Sam needs
people around himself with similar experiences.
I also very much liked this sympathetic outsider's perspective on the
friendship between Sam and Frodo (and Merry and Pippin) before
everything began.
The last line really expressed what he had been ruminating about in a
nutshell, and I was profoundly moved by it.
Title: Spring after Winter · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 462
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:39:16
The contrast between water and dry dust and ash is conveyed very
evocatively in this drabble. The readers can almost smell and feel the
rain, see how it nourishes fruits and grass.
I like how the drabble is structured, with the horrific pictures of
Mordor and Mount Doom in the middle between two "green" passages.
The first passage is a reminder of the Shire, and it lulls the readers
into seeing a lovely, wholesome picture. Then the ["ash and smoke and
dust"] as a twist into the exact opposite direction. And at the end
the image of the beauty of Ithilien and a laughing Gandalf to make
everything all right again and let the drabble fade out with a
positive image.
Title: The Exile · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 537
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:40:05
Profoundly moving story, as it is told in a calm, measured tone by
Beregond himself.
His pride and love for his city come through very clearly. All of his
experiences there, good and bad ones, made up the man he was, and not
to have access to where those memories were made must have been very
painful, even as he accepts the judgement and deems it was worth it.
And indeed, his longing to be able to enter the city again is
tangible; eager to catch even a glimpse of it while the doors are
open. It must be especially painful to never be able to see the new
White Tree in bloom when he done so much all his life to guard the
withered old one.
I also loved Faramir's silent acknowledgement of his captain's
feelings. It can't have been easy for him either, to have to leave
Beregond alone before the Gates each time they came to the city. It
makes me wonder if he (and Aragorn, too) would sometimes come out to
him instead (which would be good for practical reasons, anyway).
It is as if the Great Gate opening and then closing symbolise Beregond
indulging for a moment in his melancholy yearning, and then firmly
shutting it away again. And yet, a last wistful thought escapes at the
end: ["Forever is a long time"]. A resonating ending.
Title: Exploring the Wild · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 30
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-11-18 17:43:07
A sweet story featuring a 9-year-old and 4-year-old Boromir and
Faramir. Their nanny plans a camp-out for them in their gardens and
Lord Denethor adds a few touches of his own. The children are
well-drawn for their ages, and the simple adventures they share that
day are the first taste of what Faramir's grown life is to be. The
Ithilien Rangers are patient with their small charges, and poor Nanny
has to endure a first taste of what will be a final parting all too soon.
Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-11-18 19:34:51
I love the explanation for why Aragorn had no vision of the coming
injury: the destruction of Sauron has opened up Men's future until
foresight becomes lost in the vastness of it, returning no echo of
what is to come. The counterpoint to this is the loss of Arda's magic
with the dawning of the Age of Men; it must have been an interesting
transition for a Man who has lived and fought with the Elves, and his
wife...
The writing, pacing and tone are managed very, very masterfully.
Dwimordene deftly incorporates reality and dream, war and peace, and
clearly delineates between them. Yet they flow along so smoothly that
the reader is completely drawn in; the end scene seems as natural and
inevitable for us as it is for the King. Each scene is briefly and
eloquently captured with spare but perfect detail; I particularly
liked Aragorn's thoughts when wounded, and aged Halbarad.
It almost goes without saying in Dwim's Aragorn and Halbarad moments,
but their friendship is once again beautifully shown. Their deep
affection is evident and very much the kind that "doesn't have to be
said" - even their innermost dreams are known to each other. But like
Aragorn, I'm glad some things are stated aloud anyway.
I thought of the title as a clever twist on the "happily ever after"
theme. Aragorn's joy in the future will always be colored somewhat by
the pain of what it cost to win the war. But here, ["sometime"], out
of time, he has the chance for one final proper leave-taking, to meet
a much-missed ghost he can perhaps lay to rest. As for Hal, he points
Aragorn back to the glorious reality of the Reunited Kingdom, knowing
that the royal line he fought and died for has its own future to revel in.
And Arwen's lovely greeting at the end... As Hal waited outside of
time for his friend, so Aragorn's love waits for him in Tirith. A
beautiful parallel which brought to mind how much Hal and Arwen would
have been twin pillars of support for Aragorn in his long years of
wandering.
Title: The Turn of the Tide · Author: Altariel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 72
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 20:16:55
A fascinating AU--it was Faramir who took the quest of the riddling
dream rather than his brother; and as he went northward he paused at
Edoras. Now, in company with Denethor, Eowyn watches eastward where
all their hopes have gone, for Boromir follows the bearer of Anduril
to the Black Gate.
Well told and much in keeping with the original, although the singing
eagle is conspicuously missing.
Title: Marking Fours · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 1
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 20:55:24
Fourth hour--fourth day--fourth month--fourth year after waking in the
Houses of Healing, Faramir remembers the grief of learning of his
father's death; the shock, further grief, and anger at learning HOW he
died and what he'd planned; finds hope returned with love and a
turning away from the memories of the father who'd lost hope himself
as he plans for his future life with his warrior princess; and then,
with his son's first words at last is able to properly grieve the loss
of his father as a son should be able to do.
An outstanding series of four drabbles that indeed marks the fours
Faramir knew. Well recommended.
Title: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines · Author: Fiondil · Genres:
Drama · ID: 76
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:07:23
A joy to read again. To learn that the grave sin was in its way
necessary would be a shock; and so it proves for Boromir as he accepts
that his actions at Amon Hen worked to the Good. As for his reason for
choosing to stay in the Halls--it is so RIGHT!
Fiondil's Namo stories are always a delight.
Title: Growed · Author: agape4gondor · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 218
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:12:00
Foresight can be so uncomfortable, as Boromir realizes after the
escape from the collapse of the last bridge of Osgiliath. Memories of
his brother's childhood and foresight of his own mortality.... Is this
why he insisted on the quest of the dream?
Thought-provoking.
Title: In the Hours of Joy · Author: Spindle Berry · Genres: Drama:
With Merry · ID: 289
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:20:37
It's difficult to say for whom Gimli is now most worried--Pippin or
Merry during the interminible wait for the young Hobbit to wake,
A marvelous look at the caring Gimli has developed for the Hobbits,
and the joy knowing Pippin recovers gives them all.
Title: Journeys to Harad · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 502
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:25:57
Ah, how different the preparations the Ranger and the King as Aragorn
contemplates journeys to Harad. To have a few home comforts--bed,
bath, and wife--yes, those add so much!
Lovely pair of drabbles! Heh!
Title: The Undiscovered Country · Author: Wimsey · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 715
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:40:18
A sweet, poignant look at the acceptance by Arwen of the mortality
she'd embraced, and the hope returned at the end.
Title: Building the Future · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 644
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:41:59
So, now we know how it was that Bard the Bowman, now King of Dale, saw
to the taking of one to be his queen, confirming the future of the
rule of his re-established kingdom.
Very practical and joyful.
Title: Point, Counterpoint · Author: Marta · Races: Villains: Drabble
· ID: 573
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:44:08
A thought-provoking look at how it was that Melkor felt compelled to
bring disharmony into the Song; and to know that Iluvatar failed to
disclaim it brings even more thought.
Excellent application of modern musical theory and structure to
Tolkien's creation story.
Shire or Buckland · ID: 210
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 08:31:12
This is such a fitting end to a very vile character. Hyacinth had it
coming! I love the way Sam solves the little troll problem in this
too. Very clever! And, yes, I do think that Hyacinth is vile enough to
give any Troll an upset stomach.
Title: Fissures · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Dwarves · ID: 804
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-17 08:58:25
You demonstrated so well how Gimli is changing, as a result of being
the friend of an elf, even if he isn't aware of all the ways he's
different. You write Gimli as well as any fanfic writer I've read.
It was easy to see both points of view, which, to me, is one of the
marks of a good storyteller. And you are definitely that.
I like the multiple meanings of the title.
Title: Awed in the Presence of Beauty · Author: Istarnie · Races:
Elves · ID: 517
Reviewer: geek_chick · 2007-11-18 02:58:56
I love this story, it is short and sweet, yet has a lot of depth to
it! Maybe this was your intention, but much of the story could also be
describing a lover instead of a child -- when I first read this story
a while back, I did think at first that the story was about Feanor
instead! (I guess I didn't take the hint from the quote at the
beginning that the story was about a child!) So the last few lines are
a nice little twist, and made me want to read the story again in this
new context. I love how Nerdanel seems to suddenly appreciate the
unique beauty in her son, realizing that he is more beautiful than
even the great Two Trees or the Valar's physical forms! And we all
know how much the Elves loved the light of the Two Trees so that is
saying a lot... Then after describing how beautiful he is, I like how
you continue on with Nerdanel's response to that beauty, and how she
wants to do everything she can for him no matter what he desires. I
also like how you describe Maitimo's movements; I could just picture a
beautiful little red-haired baby in her arms, looking around in
amazement! Also an interesting opening sentence, it sounds like
Nerdanel has already communicated with Maitimo through dreams, which
is a nice touch and fits with Tolkien's idea of fea being able to
communicate. Overall, a lovely little story!
Title: Once Upon a Strongbow · Author: Legolass · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 685
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-18 03:10:38
This is a touching and clever story that weaves the tale of two
friendships, both between an elf and a man but separated by ages and
told from differing prospectives.
We see the friendship of the two tragic figures of Túrin Turambar and
Beleg Strongbow and the much more familiar friendship between Aragorn
Ellessar and Legolas Greenleaf. The two stories are woven like a rich
tapestry and doesn't fail to touch the heart.
The reader is treated to a most entertaining tale, complete with
endearing children, who are not only rapt listeners but wonderful
participants in the telling.
Title: The Long Winter · Author: Baranduin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 159
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:33:49
Written in a lovely, intimate, warm and almost cosy style that
perfectly fits with Sam telling a story by the fireside on a night of
fierce snow.
Sam's voice is captured very well.
The charming "real world" folk take is transferred smoothly into a
Middle-earth context as seen from the points of view of Hobbits. I
like the way themes of Sam's and Frodo's "own" Quest are woven into
the tale.
Title: Moira · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 676
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:34:36
Beautiful, lyrical style; exquisite use of metaphors and imagery.
This is such a wonderful and creative idea of the origin of Hobbits,
and it fits so very neatly into the the themes of the Ainulindalë,
expands on it, and fills a gap that I'm sure many have wondered about.
I appreciate it very much that you didn't focus on the Hobbits alone,
that you showed their beginning in the larger context of the origin of
the other races - to contrast and compare, yes, but in the end, to
show that they are all the Children of Ilúvatar.
The images invoked represent the essence of what Hobbits are and what
they stand for in Eru's creation (and in Tolkien's).
The homey, idyllic scene Manwë witnesses is capured vividly and
poignantly, radiating warmth and comfort and contentment.
The story ends of an very uplifting note; Eru entrusting the Hobbits
to Manwë himself and his helpers. And as we have seen, in the end this
charge was upheld faithfully.
Title: The Lining of the World · Author: Ruby Nye · Races: Hobbits:
Drabble · ID: 734
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:35:08
Beautifully and movingly written, with some piercingly bright images
at the end.
Tobold Banks, an original character, is brought fully to life to the
readers; his character, his fate during the Troubles, and his courage,
undaunted by his imprisonment. A great achievement to not only
recapitulate the personal history, but also to interweave it so
smoothly with the narrative in a narrative voice with fits perfectly
with how I imagine Tobold would sound like.
It is just so "hobbity" to give the familiar notion of "taking one's
enemy with oneself into death" a less violent and revengeful twist,
when he thinks that in this way he has helped to keep save the Shire
and his family, and so accepts the price he himself had to pay.
Wonderful feeling of his bond with land and nature, even in his final
moments; and a marvellous depiction of his acceptance of his death and
the joyful experience of what comes after.
Title: Looking Awfully Hard · Author: Gryffinjack · Races: Hobbits:
Merry and Pippin · ID: 779
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:36:05
A convincing take on how Pippin might have told Merry of his
experiences in the White City.
Smooth continuation in style of the canonical passage quoted in the
beginning, which then segues quite naturally into a more personal look
at the Hobbits' feelings.
Title: Like Falling Asleep Again · Author: lbilover · Races: Hobbits:
Merry and Pippin · ID: 299
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:36:43
The deep love and affection Pippin and Merry have for each another is
conveyed very well. I liked the view back over their lives; what has
changed, what hasn't. There was a wistfulness in it, but also
acceptance. Wonderfully moving ending with the two flowers from the
White Tree representing their passing.
Title: Testaments of the Past · Author: Dreamflower/Gryffinjack
CoAuthors · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 549
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:37:17
A wonderful idea, beautifully and carefully realised.
The characterisations are perfect, taking book canon and taking then
into account how they might have developed in the intervening years.
The interaction is completely on target, vivid and natural. The
emotions are conveyed clearly and evocatively. The changes of mood
that the different mementos and memories engender are conveyed
realistically and smoothly.
The descriptions bring Bag End really to life in all details, as well
as the papers and other paraphernalia the story is about.
It was so wonderful to read about how they discover document after
document and tell stories of their meaning and importance, fill bare
facts of the stations of several Hobbits' history with vibrant life.
And how Frodo in particular is once again *present* in their midst.
The care and intricacy with which the "artifacts" have been created
and reproduced really impressed me, and I thought it gave the story
even more impact and resonance.
Title: Living Tales · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 806
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:37:31
A nice gap-filler, with good character interaction. Lovely
descriptions of Rivendell and its surroundings - the impressive
mountains-and-waterfalls landscape really came to life.
I enjoyed the speculations about Boromir.
Title: Tom Cotton · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 774
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:38:00
A deeply moving look on Tom Cotton's thoughts on his twice-over
brother-in-law and the changes his adventure and the company he kept
has wrought in him.
There is melancholy there, and regret, that their once deep friendship
has altered and Sam is now friends with the ["gentlehobbits"], but no
real resentment; rather the opposite: Tom appreciates that Sam needs
people around himself with similar experiences.
I also very much liked this sympathetic outsider's perspective on the
friendship between Sam and Frodo (and Merry and Pippin) before
everything began.
The last line really expressed what he had been ruminating about in a
nutshell, and I was profoundly moved by it.
Title: Spring after Winter · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 462
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:39:16
The contrast between water and dry dust and ash is conveyed very
evocatively in this drabble. The readers can almost smell and feel the
rain, see how it nourishes fruits and grass.
I like how the drabble is structured, with the horrific pictures of
Mordor and Mount Doom in the middle between two "green" passages.
The first passage is a reminder of the Shire, and it lulls the readers
into seeing a lovely, wholesome picture. Then the ["ash and smoke and
dust"] as a twist into the exact opposite direction. And at the end
the image of the beauty of Ithilien and a laughing Gandalf to make
everything all right again and let the drabble fade out with a
positive image.
Title: The Exile · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 537
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-18 14:40:05
Profoundly moving story, as it is told in a calm, measured tone by
Beregond himself.
His pride and love for his city come through very clearly. All of his
experiences there, good and bad ones, made up the man he was, and not
to have access to where those memories were made must have been very
painful, even as he accepts the judgement and deems it was worth it.
And indeed, his longing to be able to enter the city again is
tangible; eager to catch even a glimpse of it while the doors are
open. It must be especially painful to never be able to see the new
White Tree in bloom when he done so much all his life to guard the
withered old one.
I also loved Faramir's silent acknowledgement of his captain's
feelings. It can't have been easy for him either, to have to leave
Beregond alone before the Gates each time they came to the city. It
makes me wonder if he (and Aragorn, too) would sometimes come out to
him instead (which would be good for practical reasons, anyway).
It is as if the Great Gate opening and then closing symbolise Beregond
indulging for a moment in his melancholy yearning, and then firmly
shutting it away again. And yet, a last wistful thought escapes at the
end: ["Forever is a long time"]. A resonating ending.
Title: Exploring the Wild · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 30
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-11-18 17:43:07
A sweet story featuring a 9-year-old and 4-year-old Boromir and
Faramir. Their nanny plans a camp-out for them in their gardens and
Lord Denethor adds a few touches of his own. The children are
well-drawn for their ages, and the simple adventures they share that
day are the first taste of what Faramir's grown life is to be. The
Ithilien Rangers are patient with their small charges, and poor Nanny
has to endure a first taste of what will be a final parting all too soon.
Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-11-18 19:34:51
I love the explanation for why Aragorn had no vision of the coming
injury: the destruction of Sauron has opened up Men's future until
foresight becomes lost in the vastness of it, returning no echo of
what is to come. The counterpoint to this is the loss of Arda's magic
with the dawning of the Age of Men; it must have been an interesting
transition for a Man who has lived and fought with the Elves, and his
wife...
The writing, pacing and tone are managed very, very masterfully.
Dwimordene deftly incorporates reality and dream, war and peace, and
clearly delineates between them. Yet they flow along so smoothly that
the reader is completely drawn in; the end scene seems as natural and
inevitable for us as it is for the King. Each scene is briefly and
eloquently captured with spare but perfect detail; I particularly
liked Aragorn's thoughts when wounded, and aged Halbarad.
It almost goes without saying in Dwim's Aragorn and Halbarad moments,
but their friendship is once again beautifully shown. Their deep
affection is evident and very much the kind that "doesn't have to be
said" - even their innermost dreams are known to each other. But like
Aragorn, I'm glad some things are stated aloud anyway.
I thought of the title as a clever twist on the "happily ever after"
theme. Aragorn's joy in the future will always be colored somewhat by
the pain of what it cost to win the war. But here, ["sometime"], out
of time, he has the chance for one final proper leave-taking, to meet
a much-missed ghost he can perhaps lay to rest. As for Hal, he points
Aragorn back to the glorious reality of the Reunited Kingdom, knowing
that the royal line he fought and died for has its own future to revel in.
And Arwen's lovely greeting at the end... As Hal waited outside of
time for his friend, so Aragorn's love waits for him in Tirith. A
beautiful parallel which brought to mind how much Hal and Arwen would
have been twin pillars of support for Aragorn in his long years of
wandering.
Title: The Turn of the Tide · Author: Altariel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 72
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 20:16:55
A fascinating AU--it was Faramir who took the quest of the riddling
dream rather than his brother; and as he went northward he paused at
Edoras. Now, in company with Denethor, Eowyn watches eastward where
all their hopes have gone, for Boromir follows the bearer of Anduril
to the Black Gate.
Well told and much in keeping with the original, although the singing
eagle is conspicuously missing.
Title: Marking Fours · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 1
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 20:55:24
Fourth hour--fourth day--fourth month--fourth year after waking in the
Houses of Healing, Faramir remembers the grief of learning of his
father's death; the shock, further grief, and anger at learning HOW he
died and what he'd planned; finds hope returned with love and a
turning away from the memories of the father who'd lost hope himself
as he plans for his future life with his warrior princess; and then,
with his son's first words at last is able to properly grieve the loss
of his father as a son should be able to do.
An outstanding series of four drabbles that indeed marks the fours
Faramir knew. Well recommended.
Title: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines · Author: Fiondil · Genres:
Drama · ID: 76
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:07:23
A joy to read again. To learn that the grave sin was in its way
necessary would be a shock; and so it proves for Boromir as he accepts
that his actions at Amon Hen worked to the Good. As for his reason for
choosing to stay in the Halls--it is so RIGHT!
Fiondil's Namo stories are always a delight.
Title: Growed · Author: agape4gondor · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 218
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:12:00
Foresight can be so uncomfortable, as Boromir realizes after the
escape from the collapse of the last bridge of Osgiliath. Memories of
his brother's childhood and foresight of his own mortality.... Is this
why he insisted on the quest of the dream?
Thought-provoking.
Title: In the Hours of Joy · Author: Spindle Berry · Genres: Drama:
With Merry · ID: 289
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:20:37
It's difficult to say for whom Gimli is now most worried--Pippin or
Merry during the interminible wait for the young Hobbit to wake,
A marvelous look at the caring Gimli has developed for the Hobbits,
and the joy knowing Pippin recovers gives them all.
Title: Journeys to Harad · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 502
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:25:57
Ah, how different the preparations the Ranger and the King as Aragorn
contemplates journeys to Harad. To have a few home comforts--bed,
bath, and wife--yes, those add so much!
Lovely pair of drabbles! Heh!
Title: The Undiscovered Country · Author: Wimsey · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 715
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:40:18
A sweet, poignant look at the acceptance by Arwen of the mortality
she'd embraced, and the hope returned at the end.
Title: Building the Future · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 644
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:41:59
So, now we know how it was that Bard the Bowman, now King of Dale, saw
to the taking of one to be his queen, confirming the future of the
rule of his re-established kingdom.
Very practical and joyful.
Title: Point, Counterpoint · Author: Marta · Races: Villains: Drabble
· ID: 573
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-18 21:44:08
A thought-provoking look at how it was that Melkor felt compelled to
bring disharmony into the Song; and to know that Iluvatar failed to
disclaim it brings even more thought.
Excellent application of modern musical theory and structure to
Tolkien's creation story.
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