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Title: Mettare Duties · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 647
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-01 03:16:16
A delightful glimpse of Faramir and Eowyn's life together in Ithilien
and the bond between them.

Title: Way Out West · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Adventure: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 769
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:16:46
Full of surprises which I will not divulge here, this is a wonderful
story! I don't want to give anything away to those that have not read
it. Let's just say that Merry and Pippin have an adventure that later
turns out to be more than they were led to believe. The author does a
nice job of putting a surprise into this one.

Title: Sweet Memories · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits · ID: 272
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:21:41
This is full of very vivid images. The author paints the scene with
her words and lets us see the bank of the Brandywine where Frodo
Baggins is sitting lost in his memories of his parents. This is
bitter-sweet as you realize just how very much Frodo lost on the day
that his parents died. His memories of a childhood filled with love
are touched with the sadness that he had his parents with him for far
too short a time. The author's writing style makes the memories and
the present blend well and the last portion of the tale gives us a
small look at Frodo through Boromir's eyes. Very enjoyable!

Title: Surprises · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: Drabble · ID: 690
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:24:32
Lovely drabble! I like the image of the tree blooming at just that
very time. I also like getting a surprise in a very short fiction.
This was very entertaining all around.

Title: Could Will Have Its Way · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Gondor Drabble · ID: 286
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:27:30
Indeed, how could anyone fail to at least look? I thought this was an
interesting glimpse into Denethor's reasoning and an entertaining drabble.

Title: Watching and Waiting · Author: Llinos · Genres: Poetry: With
Hobbits · ID: 796
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:31:12
I love this author's poems because they never fail to make me feel the
hopes of the characters. I think that is what good poetry does in
part. This is a two-fold poem with part from Pippin's point of view
and part from Merry's point of veiw. That style also makes the poem
more entertaining. The two halves compliment one another and fit
together perfectly. The poems remind me of Merry and Pippin's own long
friendship in that both halves are stronger together. A lovely poem
from a very talented author!

Title: A New Reckoning · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 308
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:34:01
A long, lovely, story that I remember looking forward to each new
chapter of when it was first posted on Stories of Arda. This has some
excellent original characters in it and it lets the Hobbits of the
Shire interact with men and elves and dwarves while at home in the
Shire. Very entertaining all the way through!

Title: The Lady's Offer · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 805
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:37:42
How would any of us react if offered something that meant so much to
us? Something that would remove guilt from us and would return a
friend to us? Something that would, perhaps help those around us if it
were so? I like the look at the choice offered here to Pippin by the
Lady as she looks into his mind and sees his heart. This author always
makes me think and she never fails to entertain me with her words and
her hobbits. I do love the way she writes Pippin! Excellent story!

Title: Circumstantial Heroes · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 684
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-01 03:38:51
Denethor had perfect servants--quick to anticipate what might be
needed, responding to orders quickly.

Hithdol, having seen the one they said was the King Returned working
amongst the wounded in the aftermath of the siege, set himself to
become one of Aragorn's personal servers, having decided this was the
kind of Man he wished to serve.

Now, which type do you think Aragorn would prefer to keep about him?

A most thought-provoking story worked around the considerations of
what needs to be done with Beregond of the Guard, and very, very well
worth the read.

Title: If You Should Die Before I Wake · Author: PipMer · Genres:
Drama: With Merry · ID: 277
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:45:04
This may have been the first story that I had read by this very
talented author. I do know that it is one of my favorites among her
stories. I like the way she writes Merry Brandybuck in this one. I
think it is difficult to imagine just how much Merry went through
while waiting to hear the outcome of the battle and then while waiting
for Frodo, Sam and Pippin to heal. His stress and his concern must
have been dreadful and almost more than he could tolerate. The author
gives us a look at this part of the tale focusing on Merry rather than
on the wounded hobbits around him. While Gandalf and Aragron try to
help Merry through this time of watching and waiting you can feel
Merry's pain as he sees his friends suffering and struggling to live.
This is very well done and I enjoyed every word of it! The author
should write more so we can all have more to enjoy.

Title: The Harper · Author: juno_magic · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 10
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-01 03:49:43
This is a charming story populated mostly by original characters but
yet still feels distinctly like Middle-earth. The narrator character
has a voice believable as that of a child from an isolated town, and
through her we get a rich glimpse at the world she inhabits, and at
the sole canon character. To say more about said sole canon character
would be to give too much away, and the surprise factor as this story
unfolds is part of what is so fun, so I will just say: if you like
original characters, give this one a try. I wasn't disappointed.

Title: Glimpses from Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 614
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:50:55
((((("Thank you Merry. Meriadoc Brandybuck, Knight, Warrior,
Healer!"))))) That line from Pippin is one of my favorites from this
lovely set of drabbles about Pippin's healing in Cormallen. This
author spends too much time encouraging other writers and helping with
other author's work when she should be writing more of her own lovely
fiction. I love the way she writes Pippin as he heals and shows that
he is ever cheerful in the face of his injuries. She also has a lovely
bit in this set that shows how very much Gandalf cares for the injured
Pippin. I love every word of this and have read it time and again.

Title: Longing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 468
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 03:52:46
Like all of this author's stories, you can see the research and the
thought that has gone into every single word of this as you read it.
She writes very well and every word rings true! I could hear this one
as I read it.

Title: Marbles · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 197
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-01 03:57:48
This is such an adorable story! Poor Frodo, babysitting baby Pippin --
who is already an expert troublemaker -- and at wit's end over where
Merry's marbles ended up! And Merry's reactions are just priceless,
how he calls Pippin the ["evil, wicked baby"] and ['"He likes me
because he knows that I don't like him," Merry said. "He does it to
annoy me."'], but underneath he really does love Pippin. The boys are
so funny here, with Frodo's desperation, Sam's attempts at being
helpful, Merry's frustration -- ["Turn him upside down and shake him
until my marbles fall out of him, Sam," Merry instructed."] -- and
Pippin's utter cuteness. Luckily the Gaffer shows up with some advice
and a way to keep little Pippin under control.

Title: Through Shadows · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: General Drabble · ID: 620
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-01 04:07:34
I like the trust that Gimli shows here, because ["Frodo was no Elf,
nor even a Man"] and how he is so happy when Frodo is able to see the
crown. It says a lot about hobbits that even dwarves will trust to
show them their most valued treasures. A very nice moment between
Gimli and Frodo.

Title: There and Back · Author: Lindelea · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 801
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:07:54
I really love this one! I like the way this weaves the lines from the
films into the story as Pippin heals. I love the way this author
writes and this is a wonderful tale. One of my favorite characters in
this is not a hobbit but Gimli the dwarf. I like this look at him as
he searches for Pippin and never quite gives up hope of finding the
hobbit on the field of battle, calling out his name after others are
certain that Pippin Took must be dead. Brilliant!

Title: Tea for Two · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:10:00
That is darling! I've seen and written my share of stories in which
Pervinca takes her frustration out on her new little brother, Pippin
because she is jealous but this is the first one that I have read that
shows exactly how difficult it must have been for Pervinca to adjust
to the new baby. I love Frodo to the rescue and the gentle way that he
makes her feel important. It was so much more effective than if
Paladin had reached her first. Simply wonderful all the way through!
You have to love a story that has Frodo come to the rescue!

Title: Respite · Author: Lindelea · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble · ID: 303
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:11:46
Lovely drabble and a nice look at Faramir and his desire to be more
than a soldier of Gondor.

Title: Cool Sunlight and Green Grass · Author: SlightlyTookish ·
Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 211
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:14:51
A wonderful look at the joy that Hobbits take in the nature, sunlight,
green grass and being outdoors. I like Pippin's reaction to his first
walk outside after his long time in bed. Very well done!

Title: By Sorrow Unawares · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Gapfiller · ID: 254
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:17:07
A very moving look at what Pippin must have felt after the company
lost Gandalf in the Mines of Moria. This author always writes from the
heart.

Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Humor: Drabble
· ID: 16
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-01 04:20:26
Very funny! Great job at working all of the dwarves and their
particular quirks into the drabble. I love Thorin's reaction at the
end and that it was Gandalf who sent the group for the interview.

Title: Helping Hands · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits: Drabble · ID: 615
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:22:54
Small moments and small acts of kindness that help friends and cousins
along in times of pain or grief. This is very well done. I especially
liked the look at Sam wanting to help Frodo and leaning over and
cutting up his food for him when he realizes how much of an effort
this is for Frodo. Sam does so in the way you might expect him to, he
is put out with himself for not thinking of it sooner! This is a very
lovely set of drabbles.

Title: Falling Into Shadow · Author: Marigold · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 205
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-12-01 04:28:40
Three times…and the effects of the Black Breath are cumulative after
all. ***this is about Merry's struggle with the Black Breath but it is
also about his bond with his cousin, Pippin and Pippin's desire to
help him. I love this line, ("Is that all? There is nothing I would
not do for Merry." Peregrin looked as if he wished that there were a
handy dragon to slay on this kinsman's behalf.)
I love that line! So like Pippin to want to do whatever he can for
Merry. I like the way the author show Pippin's fears that he will be
unable to help while showing how determined he is to help. Loved it! i
do love the way this author writes hobbits!

Title: Point of View · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 750
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-01 04:37:59
An interesing look at how the Thain's Book could have come to be. It
makes sense that Aragorn would want the hobbits' point of view of
events, but Sam is too humble to realize the importance of the book.
At least Pippin realizes the importance of the hobbits and their
views! :-)

Title: The Company of Heroes · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 393
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-01 04:52:36
A moving story of Sam coming to terms with Boromir's part in
everything that happened through the innocent conversation of his
children. It makes sense that Sam would compare Boromir to Gollum in
order to reconcile himself to the idea that, like Gollum, Boromir's
actions while under the influence of the ring may have been necessary
to the success of the quest.

Title: And We Will Travel North · Author: bewize · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 39
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-01 05:48:36
[spoilers]

This is a fantastic idea, and one I hadn't thought of before: that
Elrohir and Elladan didn't just ride with the Northern Dunedain, but
that they actually *became* one of those people, at least for a
stretch of years. It's not that stretch of the imagination given that
they are only half-Elven, but the fact that it was love for Estel that
made them make this jump was truly touching, and a good way to add
substance to their part in LOTR.

Title: Lords of Gondor · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 154
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-01 06:01:57
An well written AU with some interesting Aragorn and Bororim
interaction and the chance for Aragorn to show his healing skills.

Title: In the Bloody Cottage · Author: Soubrettina · Races: Men:
Eriador or Rivendell · ID: 581
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:20:41
Creative, effective style. The disjointed phrases and descriptions fit
very well with Gilren's weak, dazed condition, and mimick a close,
very intimate look into her thoughts.

Succinct, evocative descriptions of the environment. The love between
Gilraen and Arathorn is conveyed in crisp images and dialogues. I also
loved the description of Elrond.

The image of ["the daughters of the Dúnedain"] as [" accidents of
matches bred to make mighty men"], and the passage following which
describes the consciousness of heritage and lineages, as well as the
price that comes from being Dúnedain is a poignant and
thought-provoking, unusual angle.

Title: The Oarsman · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 357
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:21:30
The two very vivid drabbles form two bookends of a rarely-visited
episode during the WotR: Aragorn freeing the slaves on the oars of the
captured corsair ships.

Highly evocative descriptions: the sharp, bone-freezing cold, the
feeling of fear and despair, of bleakness and grueling work, is almost
viscerally conveyed in the first drabble. All the more relieving is it
to witness how in the second the chains are struck and food and warm
clothing are provided.

The emotions are conveyed very vividly - the numbness of the prisoners
because they can't afford to think or feel of anything beyond their
immediate tasks, much less afford to hope. This numbness that even
hinders much of an overt reaction to the Army of the Dead. And again,
in contrast, in the second drabble the readers can really feel the
gratefulness, almost worship, towards Aragorn, ending with a very
moving and lyrical last line.

Title: Well-Lettered (The Director's Cut) · Author: Ribby · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 762
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:22:07
This captures very well Faramir's scholarly side. The readers can
really sense his love for the things he will find in the library,
material books themselves as well as the immaterial knowledge to be
found therein, how it is almost a compelling urge, a *need* for him,
just like other day-to-day necessities of life.

It also neatly emphasises that Aragorn, too, has his scholarly side,
as evidenced by his imparting past and present historical knowledge at
the drop of a hat during the trilogy.

What a wonderful place and occupation for King and Steward to begin
forming a basis for so much more than an amicable working
relationship, to really find in each other kindred spirits who not
only have Gondor's welfare at heart, but also share personal interests.

Title: A Pirate's Life for Me! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 438
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:23:04
The story is written in a very entertaining, expansive style, like a
play à la Gilbert & Sullivan? *g* - or like a tale told to children
right before their bed time.

It is amusing to think (but very plausible, I imagine) that
Thorongil's exploits would quickly become the stuff of legends
children would want to hear and re-enact, especially considering the
mystery surrounding him.

The interaction between the adults and the children was sweet, and I
liked Faramir as the linking factor to show important relationships in
two different stages of his life.

Title: Fun with Farm'n · Author: Súlriel · Races: Villains: Drabble ·
ID: 269
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:23:46
Ouch! This is a wonderfully twisted drabble. At the same time the
readers are shocked by the gruesomeness revealed at the end, with even
more to follow after that, they will be able to laugh at the dark,
dark humour the double entendre of the dialogue provides. I don't
think this familiar saying has ever been meant in quite that way before...

The ambiguity of the employed language is also very effective in the
rest of the drabble, and it was a new discovery to re-read it with the
knowledge of the correct interpretation in mind.

The characterisation of the Orcs was well-done; the corrupted, vulgar
language, the insults which seem to come par for the course. I
particularly liked the glee of Ugbuz at his own pun and his suggestion
to his "comrade".

Title: Green · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 461
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:24:18
Very effective use of the sense of smell. The scene the drabble
depicts is evoked very clearly and tangibly even without describing
what might be visible.

The first half, which shows Faramir re-living his last
(semi-)conscious memories of the pryre, strenghtens in its stark
contrast the impact of the wholesomeness of the pure and untainted
athelas.

Beautiful description of athelas, a real "bouquet" of scents and smells.

Lovely last line, which captures, I think, Faramir's spirit and faith
very well: recognising what kingsfoil represents - which "the hands of
the king" make effective - without prior knowledge or proof.

Title: Waste Not, Want Not · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 722
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:25:05
A fascinating if gruesome gapfiller.

I particularly liked the detail of the ["dead hands clawing the
grass"]. Coupled with the lazy indifference and callous treatment of
the Orc dragging the body, this was a very poignant reminder that he
is handling a once living, breathing soldier of Gondor.

The businesslike processing of the body seen here vividly brings home
the fact that this is just one example of many, many more that end up
in this way.

The punch line was perfectly timed, the way the last few words came so
completely without warning, in the unobtrusive, calm tone of a
descriptive passage. I really had to do a double take to really take
in the meaning.

Title: Aftershocks · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Second Age: Drabble ·
ID: 504
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:25:54
An unusual perspective on the Downfall of Númenor - looking at what
the great wave that drowned the Star Isle did on the *other* side of
the Great Sea, on the shores of Middle-earth.

The details of the destruction of the harbour town is conveyed in
vivid, effective details which really drive home the enormous
consequences of the cataclysm that swallowed Númenor.

The anxiety of the Lord of Cobas because he cares for his people is
palpable; and I love how you have even alluded to the potential
political repercussion he must fear should he not be able to collect
the tribute of power-hungry and greedy late Númenor.

The shortness of ["The sea stayed empty for months."] conveys well the
uncertainty of their situation when no news was forthcoming, no
explanation for the destructive tidal wave.

Excellent, resonating ending, and Elendil seems a fully-fleshed
character despite his brief appearance. I like his choice of address
towards the Lord of Cobas.

Title: From the Sea · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 113
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:26:21
Lush descriptions, fitting perfectly to the picture of Gondolin as a
rich, opulent, sophisticated city that Tuor sees.

All the more poignant was the single allusion that perhaps beneath all
the glory there might be just as much despair as he knows from his own
upbringing in rough environments, and Idril's explanation seems very
plausible.

Tuor's being instantly smitten by Idril is conveyed very vividly.

Title: Building the Future · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 644
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-01 11:27:33
This series paints in a few skilful strokes a picture of Dale's
recovery and Bard's struggles as he assumes the unaccustomed role of
King. In his discomfort of formality and his longing memories of past
days when he was only a simple bowman, he reminds me of Aragorn (or
how he is often depicted going from Ranger to King), and I find this
interpretation very believable.

Bard is lucky that he doesn't have to agree to a marriage of state,
but finds the woman of his heart who is willing to help him in his duties.

Title: Answers and Questions · Author: Peredhil lover · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 189
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 14:55:13
Tough - on the twins and Estel. But Elrohir does a pretty good job of
explaining why Elladan attempts to hold himself aloof - and why he
expects Estel to learn to be the very best he can possibly be. But I
suspect Elladan will have a bit of difficulty reconciling himself to
his sister's way of dealing with their dilemma.

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:01:28
This is a grippingly horrifying tale. Poor Aragorn - he certainly
learns the hard way just how ... unforgiving orcish captors can be.
(It's not surprising he later takes Gimli and Legolas off in pursuit
of the hobbits.) Good thing he got away. And ended up where he did.


Title: Rekindling · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabble ·
ID: 688
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:04:00
This is the Uncle Theoden loved and respected by Eowyn and Eomer. And
no wonder.

Title: Gifts · Author: Acacea · Genres: Humor: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 500
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:08:50
Well - Denethor never did care much for Mithrandir! I can just see
Faramir chewing contemplatively on the end of a pipe. Now all he needs
is some soapy water and he could invent bubble-blowing. I like a more
humane Denethor - and I suspect he would have made Faramir a
reasonably good parent ... under other circumstances.

Title: Go Out in Joy · Author: Larner · Genres: Alternate Universe:
The Shire or Buckland · ID: 145
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:14:14
Frodo can't fade into obscurity in this version of events, can he?
Between the number of those who came to honour him and the stories
they tell, word will spread from Hobbiton to fill the Shire. Even if
some find it difficult to credit, they will have heard it.

It might change people's perception of Sam, too. They now know that he
is a Lord of the Free Peoples - whatever that might mean - and is
honoured by the King as well as the Men, Elves and Dwarves who have
come among them. They can see that he is honoured over Merry and
Pippin - and that they are honoured themselves.

I wonder if Frodo would have liked that... Maybe. He didn't think Sam
took enough honour to himself. But he would probably have preferred
that the Shire remained ignorant of what had occurred Out There.

And a most happy reunion to finish the tale.

Title: Mettare · Author: rhyselle · Races: Cross-Cultural: The
Fellowship · ID: 732
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:16:57
Poor Boromir - longing for home and family and feeling rather a fish
out of water. Teaching this custom to Pippin and Merry must have
helped ... and increased his affection for these two. I like to think
of the candle floating down the Bruinen in its parchment boat.

Title: Resurrection · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 265
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:24:57
How delightful to have Halbarad edge back from the borders of death -
to stand by a different grey-cloaked figure, and see, at last, the
dreams of the Dunedain become reality.

Title: Burden of Guilt · Author: Linda hoyland · Races: Men · ID: 123
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:30:42
Such a complex story - of people learning who they are and how to deal
with each other. With, of course, plenty of difficulties and
distractions along the way!! The light-hearted beginning was -
obviously - a deception ... there was no way that our heroes would get
away with it. But, oh my - poor Faramir. He does seem to have VICTIM
tattooed on his forehead. And accept that that is his place in life!
And the end is a mere breather - before the next storms hit.

Title: Behind Every Great Man... · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid
Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 52
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:32:51
Goodness - Denethor is in serious need of Mormegil - to play Bunter to
his Lord Peter. You can't help but wonder how much of what is achieved
in the world is a direct result of the hired help!

Title: Standards · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 541
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:34:44
His Queen, huh? Well, at least he knew how he wanted events to turn
out. As he was handed his carefully-crafted death warrant.

Title: True Silver · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 612
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:38:19
Binding her hair with his - that is a delightful vision. And, even if
she still liked the odd jewel (and why shouldn't she) a positively
professional flirtation technique!

Title: Merry's Grandmother · Author: grey_wonderer · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 137
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:41:24
I love the story of Merry, his Grandmother and the crystal. She sounds
a tough - and very interesting - grandmother. Yet another very
entertaining story from you!



Title: Remembering Anew · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 88
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-01 15:48:19
I'm glad old Pompous regained his marbles. And found himself with
enough time to restore honour to the name of Brandybuck! And the
Merciful is a much better way to be remembered. (Alliterative, too!)

And young Mac married a Caskbury! You could say his ancestors were
turning in their graves - except they don't bother to stay in them in
the first place ... and, of course, that they are broad-minded and
open-hearted enough not to judge on what is now distant ancestry!

A nice fresh start - with green-eyed Tooks around to keep an eye on
things. I love the subtle appearance of she-whose-name-I-cannot-spell
to rescue Rollo and Mungo. While organising the celebrations seems a
suitable penance - and acknowledgement of the truth.

The delivery of the bells seems a fitting finish ... and it would be
nice if the babies both had bright green eyes.

This is a most entertaining story - and it's definitely a relief (or
something) to know that the four Travellers are perfectly capable of
keeping an eye on their descendants - and others - and intervening
even long after they have - for want of a better word - gone to
pastures new.