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Title: Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux · Author: Fiondil
· Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages · ID: 77
Reviewer: rhyselle · 2007-12-24 17:15:40
Even if you have never read THE SILMARILLION, I think that a reader
can enjoy this epic story, because Fiondil’s knowledge of Tolkien’s
Legendarium, and especially Tolkien’s languages, is so vast. He has a
knack for incorporating the history of the elves from THE SILMARILLION
into Glorfindel’s storyline in such a painless way that one gradually
absorbs who is who and why they are the way they are relatively
painlessly. And best of all, it’s done through a storyline that drags
you in and makes you care about characters and events which, in
Tolkien’s Legendarium, are just briefly described archetypes, lists of
names, or a series of dates and phrases that never got expounded upon
in canon.

Through the self-sacrificial death of Glorfindel the Balrog-Slayer,
which has implications that ring throughout the subsequent history of
Middle-earth, we meet the Valar, the Powers which were given scant
mention in LOTR, as “real” individuals with not just power but
personality quirks and foibles that make them much more accessible.
One by one, Fiondil brings them to life uniquely as persons with whom
I’d very much like to be able to interact�"even if the sheer presence
of a Vala would be spiritually overwhelming.

In regards to the Vanyar, Noldor and Sindar of the Blessed Realm, what
starts as a conversation between the Lord of Mandos and the
traumatized, freshly-dead Glorfindel evolves into a virtual “Who’s
Who” of THE SILMARILLION, THE CHILDREN OF HURIN and other background
works that most fic readers will likely not have read.

The tale eventually revolves around, not just Glorfindel, but equally
about his main co-stars, Lord Námo, Master of the Halls of the Dead in
Aman (who is my favorite characterization of any of the Valar,
although every one of them gets their moment in the spotlight at some
point or other in the fic), Finrod (who was instrumental in the
survival of Beren and, ultimately, through the existence of Beren’s
ultimate heir, Aragorn, in the late Third Age the restoration of the
Reunited Kingdom after the War of the Ring), and Sador, a Reborn elf
(who has become one of my favorite original characters in fanfic).
They are surrounded by great original characters and characters whose
names and histories come from canon, but whose personalities are
originally and interestingly described, and by social and political
issues that one wouldn’t expect if the reader assumes that Valinor is
the equivalent of Heaven, as can be implied by the way that going into
the West is described in THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

The process of dying and being reborn is integral to the story; not
just for Glorfindel’s being able to ultimately return to Middle-earth
to help save Frodo in the Third Age, but to demonstrate that the elven
societies in Aman, in order to thrive and maintain the Peace of the
Valar, must go through the same phases as an unhoused fëa: Judgment,
which in Fiondil’s works is not punishment, but recognition of the
truth about oneself and one’s actions; Forgiveness, which is essential
if one is to not be dragged down into the mire of regret and remorse
to the point that one is unable to go forward into the newly-given
life; and, eventually, Re-housing, in which one takes on the new life,
unencumbered by the sins of the past.

Not that living again and integrating oneself into Arda is an easy
thing when one has been returned to the primal state of innocence of
an elfling (nor without humor!). The maturing process can be and
frequently is painful, especially when memories of Glorfindel’s first
life break through and those elves who remained in Aman [the Faithful]
don’t know what to make of the returned Exilic Noldor, nor of the
Reborn among them. Even though the tale incorporates all these deeper
issues, it’s Glorfindel’s story, and that of the people he loves.

I’m making this sound like it’s a story heavy on spiritual and social
issues only, but they are just part of the tale. There’s a huge amount
of laughter, adventure, pathos, suspense and mystery to carry the
reader along. Our favorite Balrog-Slayer seems to drag chaos in his
wake, but it’s great fun seeing it happen. When I re-read it for the
MEFAs, I still found myself clicking over into the next chapter, one
after the other, unable to drag myself away from it. I rather envy
those readers new to it, because they get to read the whole thing
instead of suffering through waits for updates. Though, I have to say
that Fiondil’s ability to update this massive epic on a weekly, and
sometimes twice-weekly basis is incredible. For many people, writing
and posting that quickly means a less than stellar end product, but
Fiondil’s quality never drops, even up to the final, wonderful yet
frustrating chapter.




Title: Through Daeron's Eyes · Author: dancingkatz · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 187
Reviewer: rhyselle · 2007-12-24 17:40:36
I wish there were another way to describe Daeron than "OMC". He is
much more than the usual "original characters" who clog up the various
fanfic sites by becoming part of the Fellowship or having
history-changing effects on canon events.

Instead, he is part of the fabric of the life Minas Tirith, and the
tale is about his life, and how it intersects with that of Boromir and
the Steward's household over the years from age eight to his manhood
before the War of the Ring. Don't mistake me, it is Daeron's story and
that of his childhood and teenage friends, not the tale of Boromir
Hurin, although the Steward's Heir is pertinent to the various
episodes within the story arc.

The supporting characters, especially Daeron's best friend, Halmir,
are engaging to meet, and each has their own background, which comes
through as the reader progresses through the eventful life of the son
of Boromir's adjutant. The author's real life military experience
comes through in the details of the military oriented world of Minas
Tirith during an era of impending war. It might not be here yet, but
they all know it's coming and it is the youth of Gondor who will be
the ones who stand and fall at Osgiliath and on the Pelennor and at
the Black Gate in the desperate attempt to give Frodo his last chance
of success.

There is politics, of course, one cannot escape that in the ranks of
the nobility of Gondor, but there's humor and tenderness as well. It's
a fascinating look at what growing up Gondorian could be, in a culture
where personal honour really means something and the hero-worship of a
great leader can lead to a young man's efforts to be the very best he
can be.

TDE is technically incomplete, but each segment can stand well on its
own as an engaging and enjoyable story that gives us a view of the day
to day life of a soldier-to-be who, I feel, epitomizes those who bear
the emblem of the White Tree on their black and silver uniforms, who
await the coming of the hoped-for King, and serve their land with love
and honour.

Title: Seeing Red · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Humor: Drabble ·
ID: 121
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-24 19:34:42
Of all the things Faramir could have come up with as a comeback to his
father, there's nothing he could have said that would have had more
sting in it. Cheers to Faramir!

Title: Getting Away from it All · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 63
Reviewer: Ellie · 2007-12-24 19:55:25
What a delightful little tale! It was enjoyable and yet full of
intrigue and fun. Well done! It was great getting to see some insight
into the way the Aragron and Arwen and the Prince and Princess of
Ithilien get to spend a holiday now that they are "important" people
and no longer rangers and ladies. I always enjoy your writing and you
never disappoint!

Title: A Tale of Elrond And Celebrían · Author: Nemis · Genres:
Romance · ID: 608
Reviewer: Ellie · 2007-12-24 20:04:14
I first discovered this story some time ago and printed it out so I
could re-read it because I enjoyed it so very much. The detail in
which the tale is told is wonderful with such powerful emotions
conveyed at every turn. The passion and the delight of the love
between Elrond and Celebrian are expressed beautifully. I enjoyed the
characterizations of everyone involved in the tale as well. It is
difficult for me to find a another tale portraying the happy, sad,
then happy again couple that compares to the quality of this story
which this talented author has so skillfully told. It is always a
pleasure to read works by this author. Now go out and write some more!

Title: Father and Son · Author: Istarnie · Genres: Drama: Second Age
or Earlier · ID: 718
Reviewer: Ellie · 2007-12-24 20:11:05
This story is so beautifully and chillingly told by Istarnie. The
characterizations are good and the emotion expressed are excellent.
She shows so well just how obsessed and, well, emotionally messed up
Feanor is by this point in the rebellion. How horrifying it must have
been for Feanor's sons to not know for sure if he meant to kill their
brother and then his confession that maybe his blindness had cost them
a most dear price and a price too precious for anyone to ever have to
pay out of ignorance in blind vengeance. I enjoy all of Istarnie's
stories anyway, and this one is one of her most evocative and
subconsciously harrowing. Well done!

Title: Knowing · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages
· ID: 765
Reviewer: Ellie · 2007-12-24 20:13:36
It is a great tribute to an author when his or her stories inspire
others to write. This story you have told is a lovely one on its
own.How sweet! An enjoyable compliment to Elf Interrupted. Beautifully
and skillfully done!

Title: Before the Gate · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 704
Reviewer: Ellie · 2007-12-24 20:18:39
I always enjoy the stories told by Jay of Lasgalen. I have yet to read
an Elladan and Elrohir story by this author that was not excellent and
this one is no exception. The emotion expressed by the twin sons of
Elrond as they stand there at the front of the line ready to fight the
orcs and perhaps face their last battle together is touching and
exquisite. They face everything together and their sentiments as they
meet the enemy is what is perhaps the most dangerous battle they have
ever faced is very well done. Kudos to our story teller! I look
forward to reading more stories by this author.

Title: From the Sea · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 113
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 20:21:44
[a review with spoilers]

This story has such a magical and yet realistic touch when you read
it. Tuor arrives in Gondolin and is overwhelmed by the city and his
first impressions. Uli describes the city through Tuor's eyes; its
exuberant building and richness compared to the outside world. It just
feels as if time stood still there, a memorial for what once was, and
later in the piece, Idril confirms this feeling as she meets Tuor. You
can nearly feel how much this appals Tuor, especially since the
hardship he and his kin endured outside this realm. The meeting
between Idril and Tuor has that romantic touch, the magic is in the
air when they meet. Even though this moment feels like a small moment,
you just know it is just the start of something epic. Uli makes great
use of foreshadowing in this piece, for example when Tuor hears
someone coming from behind; he instinctively reaches for his sword.
Even though Idril assures him that no harm will come to him, you at
the same moment know that this elf will be in the middle of jealousy
and strife, and in the end the downfall of the realm or [golden cage].

[From the sea] is a beautifully written story; it is well paced and
thoughtfully written, which leaves you wistfully for more. Thank
goodness that this author has written many more tales with this
pairing (or for her other stories and poetry for that matter) and
every time she does so, you are in for a treat.


Title: Drink Down the Sun · Author: Michelle · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 355
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 20:46:00
[this review comes with spoilers]

This piece reads as a tribute to love. Arathorn and his wife welcome
their firstborn child, a moment that is so life changing. Michelle
captures the tenderness, the warmth, the longing and belonging with
another. I just can’t help it: whenever I read this story and its just
every time where Arathorn sees his wife and child for the first time,
I just have tears standing in my eyes and more will fall after that.
This is partly because we know Arathorn’s & Gilraen’s happiness will
be short lived, but also because this story has a great build up,
together with Arathorn you just have to anxiously wait what will
happen next (and the midwife surely isn’t helping at that point!). It
just feels as if you stand with him on that hallway, the not knowing,
the pondering and anxiety is so well conveyed here. When the moment is
there, you just want to nudge him and at that same moment, you
realised how well Michelle has drawn you into this story. The special
family moment, the wishes and words of love. Moreover, ah the end,
especially that last line! That line is just so moving. Oh, how I
would have wished to see Arathorn’s fate written otherwise. This story
is splendidly written with a beautiful build up and characterisation.
Simply superb: it is emotional and powerful, but not overly so.

Title: Waters of Life · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 423
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-24 21:19:40
This story proves that you do not have to be graphic in order to
convey the beauty of two people coming together in marital bliss. It
was a joy to watch Aragorn and Arwen discover each other in such a
way. Quite lovely.

Title: Great Books · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Humor · ID: 149
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-24 21:41:08
I was grinning through this one, at poor Legolas's expense, I'm
afraid. The joke was on the twins in the end, but we were the only
ones to see it coming. A fun read.

Title: Leaf Subsides to Leaf · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 105
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 22:16:56
[this review has spoilers, I think]

After all that has happened in Doriath and the legacy of that weighing
down on Thranduil’s shoulder, it must have been so bitter to see his
own son having a dwarf as a best friend, nay even more so, to see yet
again something so precious being taken by a dwarf! The internal
struggle of Thranduil shows through in this piece, for there is more
at stake than simply never to see his son again. Now which [Leaf
subsides to which Leaf] in this piece? I find it hard to tell and that
makes this vignette all the more powerful. Thranduil’s grief and pain
is understandable, but also Legolas’ plight and sea-longing that will
never leave him. I wish for both to get what they want and at the
heart-breaking end, both struggle what inevitably will come. The final
scene is such a beautiful still moment and is the perfect ending for
this. [Leaf Subsides to Leaf] is a powerful vignette, well rounded and
so immensely poignant of a scene that never has been told, but needed
to be written. Well done Ignoble Bard!

Title: Rock and Hawk · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 221
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-24 22:31:04
Adaneth's work shines in its careful adaptation of Tolkien's mythology
in a vivid new interpretation. No, she is not an obnoxious
canon-tweaker for its own sake--she is that rare writer who
understands what Tolkien was about in the first place. He wanted to
create a body of mythology that would seem as if it really descended
from ancient times, with contradictions, multifarious interpretations,
and new pieces stuck on from time to time.

Adaneth does just that here, using Tolkien's world as a framework for
a tale of her own. Yet she captures the spirit of Middle-earth far
better than many a canon slave. For me, two things stand out: the
wonderful development of Dwarf culture, and the use Adaneth makes of
her own professional expertise as an archaeologist. The result is a
rare treat of world-making.

Of course it doesn't hurt that she and I share a fondness for tales of
the mortal condition. I enjoy her portrait of the Northern Dunedain so
much that I have borrowed bits of her tale to enrich my own tale. It
speaks of Adaneth's generosity that she more than welcomes such
borrowings.

My only complaint about Adaneth's work is that she writes too fast for
me to keep up with her as a reader. I do hope she finds her way to
original fic.

Title: Fair Folk and Foul · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 222
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-24 22:40:34
[spoilers]

I like this installment of Adaneth's series even better than the
first, perhaps because of the looming danger and threat, or the
increase in cultural tensions. We see more canon characters here, too,
and their presentation is original and consonant with Adaneth's own
Middle-earth.

But best of all was the resolution of the identity of the raugs, which
she describes just enough to get your heart pounding. Not just
Grendel--his mother too! Much better than Angelina Jolie.

My heart sang at your portrait of the Elves, Adaneth. Frankly, I find
them freaky and rather dull, certainly scary and remote, kind of like
having an angel in your kitchen. I'd much rather have tea with Veylin
any day.

I keep wanting to ask for you to throw your net wider and tell us more
about the Northern Dunedain. Tolkien left such a large hole there,
it's wonderful to see such talent filling its emptiness. But since
your series shows no sign of slowing down, I'll reserve my demands.

The romantic in me wants a happy ending after all, but frankly I can't
begin to guess. Would it be too much to ask for Gandalf to make an
appearance? There's another huge hole there! What were the wizards
doing all those years? How did Gandalf get interested in the Blue
Mountain Dwarves?

Title: The Blue Book of Bilbo Baggins, or, Tales of the Forbidden
Silmarillion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice/Greywing CoAuthors ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 195
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 22:40:59
[this review contains spoilers!]

Up until now, I never came around to finish reading this story. I kept
it for me as a treat to read and the remaining chapters surely lived
up to that. I just had no idea that there was a version out there with
illustrations (although I know that GA wanted to figure out how to get
the images in there!). Anyway, I love this delightful re-telling from
Bilbo's perspective, it gives Bilbo such a different angle: naughty
and a born comedian. I can so see him chuckling to himself as he
scribbles down his version (or perhaps in this case, GA herself!). I
have no idea where to start to explain what I so immensely loved about
this piece. Every little story has its own charm and will undoubtly
make laugh so hard (again).

[Of Uinen and the Children of Numenor], [The Passions of Manwë] and
[The Great Mother] are such mythological gems. For example in this
first bit, it captures the nature of Uinen so well. I loved how this
chapter unfolded and how Ulmo shows the sides and reason of Uinen's
deed, no matter how her intentions were meant. Ulmo's confrontation
about her drowning the Noldor's children was spot on and that must
have hit her hard. Besides that, the notion of those who drowned being
turned into dolphins ect is a beautiful touch. [The Passions of Manwë]
and [The Great Mother] at their turn refer to our own mythology, Greek
and Gaia gets her fabulous encore as well. The chapters devoted to the
tale of Beren and Luthien… oh my, those two, especially [Beren and the
Troll-Hag], needs to come with a beverage alert, seriously. It just
has that brother’s Grimm quality, just fantastic. But oh my, [On: How
Luthien Stole the Silmaril], what can I say? Leave it up to cats to
truly safe the day. These elegant creatures rule and don't need hounds
and well it might explain why not many cats appeared in the Silm,
perhaps the other ‘translators’ did not like cats as much as Bilbo did? ;)

This especially becomes known in the chapter [Master Ælfwine
Disposes], and it is making me go like: Hah! I knew it!

That is not only it, before I will spill about the author’s notes and
appendix, I just have to say something about the introductions that
comes with every chapter. The observations are just as humorous as the
chapters themselves, but I this bit ….
[Worst of all was that so many believed that he, Glorfindel, was the
same man as (he counted on his fingers) Manwë's catamite; a singing
cricket; and a few other Glorfindels guilty of unspeakable behavior.
"I don't mind being confused with the Balrog-slayer," he muttered.
"Although it's gotten rather tiresome being asked all the time what
re-embodiment felt like."]

Poor Glorfindel. *grin *

Then the famed author notes and as an encore: what truly happened in
Doriath… Of course, we can blame the language and miscommunication.
The painting of Greywing just really makes it complete. All the
paintings included are adding so much to it. Thank you both, GA and
Greywing for this great entertainment. I won’t charge you for cleaning
this monitor and keyboard though ;)


Title: A Little Closer to the Edge, My Love … · Author: Súlriel ·
Races: Elves: Incomplete · ID: 247
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-24 23:03:34
Sulriel writes some of the best eroticism in the fandom--she knows how
to tell a story through sexual tension. This short beginning promises
quite a tale of Miriel and Finwe. It's an interesting idea, to show
Finwe as the ultimate source of Miriel's marring, and I'm curious to
see how you will see it through to the end with Feanor's birth.

Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 23:29:04
How delightful! Pippin’s appraisal of Diamond’s cooking skills were
just spot on, but ah I like this straightforward Diamond who lets
Pippin immediately know where he stands, or gets dragged off to. This
is a nice ficlet, short and prompt just as Diamond’s quick claiming of
Pippin, I am just very curious what this hobbit will tell his friends.
If this quadrabble gets an encore, I surely want to know!

Title: Enter the Fourth Age, Hastily · Author: Dwimordene · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 140
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 23:36:58
I think that this drabbles conveys the deep and true longing of
Treebeard. It shows suffering, wondering and pondering, but his final
word shows the release from his burden as he seemingly settles down in
well [peace] and hopefully with the entwifes. I simply love the
mentioning of the Hobbits, the simply musing on how they would see
life simply adds to the beauty and unique drabble as it is.
Masterfully done!

Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-24 23:45:05
Oh how wonderful and utterly romantic, Faramir has noticed the lady
and she is a complete enigma to him. I love the way he goes about
things, to find out who she is and what happened to her. His gentle
approach, his patience, and the love that starts to arise in him. This
all makes them falling in love not so suddenly as it appeared in the
books, now does it? This is a beautifully written gapfiller and the
cited poem at the end adds so greatly to it. Beautifully drabbled and
a delight to read!

Title: A Pirate's Life for Me! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 438
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 00:02:37
I think that this ficlet series has more that would meet the eye at
first sight, I think I read this piece a few times and I still
discover something new. The first drabble takes us back to a moment of
youthful innocence, dreaming of heroes from the past and children
emerging into this ‘fantasy’ world completely. Moreover, it holds a
history lesson as well! The parallel between the brave deeds of
Thorongil compared to Aragorn’s victory over the corsairs later on is
brilliantly woven into this. Especially this line gave me the shivers:
[Their prize, a tall man closely cloaked and hooded, then spoke: "A
good captain, whether Corsair or soldier of Gondor, leads from the
front."] Go Faramir!

What I so well done in this piece specifically is the smooth transfer
from the heroes that the children are playing, to their reasoning and
banter, parents or guardians supervising and correcting them... this
all in two generations (Faramir as a child and later on Elberon as a
child). I loved these two drabbles: they are both very vivid scenes,
playful and yet not. And aw, little Míriel wanting to be a queen,
perhaps that would make the next history lesson so great because the
previous two Míriel’s didn’t end so well. Anyway, I do think that
Raksha has found a nice balance while writing this ficlet series: both
are craftily written who can stand perfectly on their own as solo
ficlets, but work also very well together. Brilliantly done!


Title: Calm after the Storm · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 350
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 00:13:34
[Calm after the storm]? Perhaps for Imrahil, but this drabble surely
makes me want to drink a cool glass of water. Imhiriel, you give us a
very sexy Imrahil here. Not only that, but this drabble has lovely
visuals and a great atmosphere! Of course, to this Dol Amroth prince
it is just seeking some reprieve after a day of hard work, but I
surely can imagine that his people eagerly see him this way. There
must be more of this, right? Otherwise go back and daydream some more
about this fabulous character j/k ;)

Title: The Beginning of a Wonderful Friendship · Author: Imhiriel ·
Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 629
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 00:20:22
[this review has spoilers]

Hah, brilliant. Cross cultural, but quite done differently! This story
has a wonderful feel to it, almost like how Jane Austen would have
brought it. I can so see them whirling around, politely conversing
with the other as they try to figure out where they stand towards the
other. The seemingly light chatter, but the undertone of it all
reveals much more. Finrod gets into trouble and somewhere in HoME it
is mentioned that the Eldar decided in unison that their Sindar kin
(once they discovered the other), and I can so see this well cultural
clash (with a very insulted Celeborn) being the cause of this. I love
this little piece!

Title: The Wink of an Eye · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 664
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 00:25:18
[this review has a small spoiler]

This is just... hilarious. I love the build up of this drabble.
Denethor prepares himself for a task that comes not easy for him.
Linda writes up to that moment, building up tension and then... a
wink. Oh my goodness, I surely could so imagine that look on
Denethor's face. Poor man! Drabbles often rely on good pacing; this
combined with humour makes this an excellent read!

Title: Don't Be Deceived · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 351
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:03:25
I think the first thing I love about this drabble is how the title
should be applied to one of the protagonists *and* the reader! It
appropriately kicks off the misdirections and twists that Imhiriel
oh-so-skillfully leads us through...

The author adroitly plays on the fact that most people will be most
familiar with LotR, and the setting very evocatively recalled the
Prancing Pony for me, through scent, sound and sight. (Although, if
I'd been a bit more attentive I would have known to question the
immediate lack of Butterbur's pushy hospitality.) And then, obviously
(!), we see a certain well-known Ranger, grungy and aloof, observing
the crowd and suspicious of being observed. Heh.

The characterizations are excellent, all the more admirable for the
brief way in which they are captured (even for a drabble). Gandalf is
mysterious and inexplicable until he deigns to explain himself
afterwards. Bard is just as grim and stoic, and yet part of the people
of Dale, as ever shown in TH. And Estel - whose identity is revealed
so perfectly, almost as an afterthought - is curious and hungry as
only a young male can be. How much this early meeting might influence
his own later persona is left up to us to decide.

Everything comes together so well: the descriptions, the tone, the
pacing and timing. And readers can't even claim they weren't forewarned...