Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Living Tales · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 806
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-28 20:46:59
A wonderful speculation of living within a tale! The descriptions of
Rivendell were just lovely and the characterisations and dialogue were
spot-on. One of Pippinfan's very best stories!

Title: The Far Corner of the Garden · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ithilien · ID: 554
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 20:54:02
In this lovely, quiet ficlet, Eowyn lies awake and considers what to
do next with the garden. All the strictly necessary herbs have been
planted, the orchards are growing and being kept safe by the children
of Ithilien, and now Eowyn can turn her attention to things less vital
to their day-to-day exsistence, such as creating a small spot meant
for relaxation and rememberence of those fallen in battle. It's filled
with nicely understated joy and the promise of peace come finally to
pass - a time in Eowyn's life I'm sure she never thought would come.

I like that her thoughts wander to [ a spot in the far corner, cobbled
with large heavy boulders, unsuited for any more practical purpose. ],
as if Eowyn can't bear to see any small section of land left to lie
unused or left stark,as if after the fall of Mordor, she would like
all the lands of Middle Earth to be somehow blooming and full of life.
It seems very apt that she would want to bring a piece of her
homeland, simbelmyne, in that spot, where she can see it daily, be
reminded of Rohan and her family, perhaps so that she'll never take
for granted the hardships they went through to be able to live without
fear, and appreciate the sacrifices that were made, in order to have
such moments of peace.

Title: The Steward's Archives · Author: dancingkatz · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 337
Reviewer: rhyselle · 2007-12-28 21:00:56
I've never been good at writing something as structured as a drabble
but I enjoy reading them when they are well conceived and constructed.
As a writing form, it forces the writer to distill their ideas down to
the bare bones and then to polish them into something striking and
beautiful that touches on the emotions. [The Steward's Archives] is an
execellent example of this format. This series has the added pleasure
of being about one of my favorite characters. Using single word
prompts, Dancingkatz manages to get us into Denethor's head and heart,
and the apparent madman of the Hallows in the films who ran off the
face of the cliff, and who, in the novel, fell beneath the ruin of the
House of Stewards on that last horrible day becomes a truly tragic
figure and a man that the reader can sympathize and identify with.

The one that makes me smile most is Proposal--and it so reminds me of
that scene at the end of Henry V where Henry is attempting to court
Katherine.

The tempering of Faramir is an excellent explanation for the the
apparent dislike and despite that Denethor displays to his younger son
in canon.

But my favorite is the very last one, where one of Denethor's greatest
losses is returned to him. I weep and rejoice with him in the end.

Well done!

Title: Boys Will Be Boys · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 555
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 21:05:49
Oh, the hard-headed, proud, frustrating little scamp, getting himself
injured on a *dare*! I would have to say that he probably deserves
every bit of self-recrimination, in payment for the way his parents
are probably frantic with worry for his recovery (not to mention how
his poor Nanny must be driven right up the wall with anxiety), and I
find it infinitely amusing that Boromir pretends to be
asleep/unconscious for two days, rather than just face the
consequences of his foolish escapade. It seems very fitting that
Boromir's starting to become aware of his rank and what will be
expected of him as he grows older, and that he's worried how this will
impact other people's opinion of him.

Ah, but Mag to the rescue with her marvelous food! Well she knows how
abstract concepts such as embarrassment don't stand a chance against
cinnamon and baked apples, especially to a small boy. And chances are
good that he knows she won't scold him overly for his accident, as
well. He's lucky to have her, especially as I'm sure everyone *else*
he knows will definitely have a word to say about taking dares. :)

Title: Bounty · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 572
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-28 21:11:35
In this drabble, Marta has created a lovely, sensual piece that
provides an unusual and engaging response to the intersection of two
prompts: "Faramir" and "lines". The writing has a tactile quality,
with highly evocative physical descriptions that also convey deep
emotions. I am very glad to have been the (partial) inspiration for
this �" well done!

Title: Lords of Gondor, Sons of the Shire · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 379
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-28 21:13:56
[spoilers]

Gandalf's Apprentice has created a pair of utterly charming ficlets
that made me laugh out loud while also greatly moving me. Her
characterisations of all four actors in the stories �" Boromir and Sam
in the first piece, and Pippin and Faramir in the second �" are sharply
drawn and convincingly in line with Tolkien's writings while expanding
effectively on them. The dialogue is crisp �" I can hear every line
spoken �" and the descriptions paint a vivid picture.

I particularly enjoyed the change of tone at [“I didn’t like him,
either, at first,” said a voice.] in the first ficlet �" Sam's
perceptiveness and gentle assistance to Boromir is touching �" and
Pippin's retort that the similarities in the names of the Chieftains
of Arnor were down to ["Lack of imagination"]. And the denouement of
the second ficlet was simply delightful: the notion of an almost
throwaway scrap of knowledge about Hobbits being safely tucked into a
grand history of Men �" and the idea of Gondorians taking to the
springle-ring with a vengeance.

Bravo!


Title: Sunshine and Roses · Author: shirelinghpc · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 531
Reviewer: rhyselle · 2007-12-28 21:14:09
It is so very easy to forget about the burdens that Sam carried when
writing fics based in the days after the destruction of the Ring. This
tale is a wonderful recognition that even while Samwise Gamgee was
trying his best to help Frodo recover, he needed assistance of his own
for his own recovery. He might have carried the Ring for a very brief
time, but the burden damaged him even as it did his master. His
personal stoicness and the way he throws himself into making sure
everyone else has what they need, makes it even harder for his
companions to realize his needs. And it doesn't help that Sam was
reared up to recognize class differences to the point that he feels it
is inappropriate to receive assistance from those he perceives as "his
betters." How perfect that it is Faramir, another who struggled and
worked in order to make certain that others didn't suffer, but
received no support or care for his own inner wounds, would recognize
the desperate state into which Sam has fallen.

I really thought the therapy that Sam was prescribed was the perfect
one for him. Wise Faramir and wise Aragorn!

Very well written! It goes on my favorites list for frequent re-reading.

Title: Tom Cotton · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 774
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-28 21:18:56
Poor Tom! It's always difficult when friends move apart and Sam's
shared experiences with Merry and Pippin will certainly have drawn
them together in ways that Tom can't compete with. An excellent and
introspective character study.

Title: Wind of Change · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Crossover · ID: 669
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-28 21:27:17
For someone who lived in a divided Germany for the first half of her
life, it is a very special feeling to read this story. I have been
there on that wall - not in person, but in spirit. I've felt the joy
of breaking down that wall - something that was meant to outlast
generations. It was a special moment and this story portrays the
certain magic of that moment very well: There is the disbelief and the
joy and the exhiliration. Total strangers are shaking hands, embracing
and sharing wine. It's all shown here. And still, in the middle of it
we have a stranger, a misfit. He helps the people achieve their goal,
but at the same time he is the only one emotionally standing at a
distance, never speaking a word, never making his voice heard - until
the very end.

The reader of course realizes soon that we are seeing an elf and the
question how an immortal creature would perceive such an
earth-shattering happening is fascinating. Would he be able to
understand and participate in the festivities, feel the people's joy?
Or would he stand aside, because he has seen many such things that
seemed important but were forgotten after a century or two. The fact
that he is there, is a clue already. He certainly feels that this is
imporant, otherwise he would have stayed at home. But at the same time
he is drawing inwards, remembering and reminiscing. There is a certain
bittersweet quality to his being the one still point in all the
bustling and celebrating.

Simply a beautiful story.

Title: The Dancer · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 21:31:51
That was one of the first LOTR stories I read, ever, and I've been so
curious about her for so long and I'm so gloriously happy that Ann saw
fit to flesh her story out more.

I will be the first to admit that I have a very hard time being able
to think of Denethor as young. Seeing him through Írildë's eyes is a
revelation of sorts; I feel such sympathy for her, and that is
entirely due to Ann's careful, deft creation of a character with whom
we can all easily identify and sympathize.

[Twelve years of partnering him at the first and last dance, as clear
an announcement of interest as a proclamation from the White Tower.
Why did he not speak?] Oh, the poor girl. But you can hardly blame her
- all those things do make it seem to be written in huge sparkling
letters that he is going to one day offer for her. And that makes it
all the worse, since we know it's never going to happen. I can't
imagine that Denethor really had no idea she was going to think he
would offer for her; in fact, I'm fairly certain most of Minas Tirith
expected that their engagement was a foregone conclusion. And oh, her
thinking of Finduilas marrying one of her brothers is just *wail*. She
never even sees it coming.

[““Are you ill, Lady Írildë? Would you like some water? Perhaps a
glass of wine? Or..” Gently Vinyarion turned me to face him. “Would
you care to dance with *me*?” In that instant I could see all my
future. “I would be honored, my lord.” ]

I love love LOVE this, and I still can't even clearly articulate why.
There's just so much emotion there, heartrending and painfully
realistic, seeing that Irilde's dreams have been dashed, and her
pragmatisim at realizing that Vinyarion will be a suitable, hopefully
good husband, if not the man she was hoping for. I do feel great
sympathy for Vinyarion, and hope fervently that she didn't spend much
time pining after what might have been.

It doesn't seem that she did, but the final line, [Boromir, the pride
of our city, dazzling in his power and beauty, the image of the man I
loved so long ago], does hint that while Irilde may not have pined
after Denethor, she never lost all of that emotion she once had for
him. It's just gorgeous and wistful and heart-achey and full of quiet
dignity, and Irilde is definitely one of my favourite OCs ever.






Title: Spring after Winter · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 462
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 21:42:06
Sam is a child of the earth like no-one else in LOTR, save perhaps
Faramir, and I find it deeply fitting that in this dream, Sam equates
[the rain that blesses and renews] with the sound of hope and promise.

And it is what Sam would dream of in bleak, barren Mordor, isn't it?
New life and things growing, nature asserting its dominance over all
the ways man tries to control it? It's as if that even while Sam
thinks he'll awaken to [ watching dear Frodo die on this barren rock]
presumably at[the end of all things], Sam believes that it isn't
actually the end, that even if he won't be there to see it, the land
will go on and once again eventually be the green, blossoming place he
loves.


Title: Starlit Memories · Author: Ellie · Genres: Romance: Second Age
or Earlier · ID: 510
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-28 21:47:47
[Starlit Memories] tells the tale how Glorfindel met his wife. It must
have been a dazzling affair, meeting on the dance floor in such a
fleeting moment, to capture an admirer's attention, never to let go.
This is most definitely a feel good piece and I think every reader
will be happy for his own happiness or that he sacrificed so many to
return to ME. Ellie has done a marvellous job in portraying both the
site at Taniquetil and Rivendell, explaining quite well, why
Glorfindel would go to that waterfall to relive this important moment
in time. It gives me the impression of that sheltered enclave finally
at peace after a hard fought war. Well done Ellie!

Title: Behind Every Great Man... · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid
Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 52
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 21:48:10
Ah, while I don't envy Mormegil or his position, he seems to have it
all well in hand. What I like best is that in every piece you've
written about Denethor's gentleman's gentleman, Mormegil never seems
in any way intimidated or cowed by Denethor, as I suspect many other
men would be. It's very clear that he takes his job seriously, does it
very well, and, more than that, both enjoys the work and feels
honoured to be performing such duties.

I love how skittish Denethor - *Denethor!* - seems here, nervous about
his wedding night, wanting everything to be absolutely perfect,
utterly clueless as to the different varieties of flowers, and he
comes across as wholly aware how lucky he is to have such a diligent
manservant. I really like the dynamic between the two, very different
men, and I would greatly enjoy hearing more about Mormegil in the future.

Title: Green · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 461
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 21:55:31
I've been reading this as a handful of instants after Faramir is
pulled from the water at Osgiliath, and literally just now realized
that it's actually Aragorn healing Faramir. I think it can work both
ways, though, for there is a similarity in both situations.

It seems very fitting that Faramir, being the Ranger that he is,
associates this new scent with the woods : [something with the
sharpness of yarrow underlain with the faintest tinge of apple
blossom]. And while I personally find it sad that the new scent is
[Something he has not ever smelled before], it is, in turn, somehow
anticipatory that even in the midst of such darkness, Faramir does
realize right away that the scent is hope, which in itself is hopeful.

In reading it as after Osgiliath, I wondered if that flash of clarity
stayed with Faramir throughout the rest of his tale, buoying him up
and giving him strength, which, to me, was prophetic of the triumph
over Mordor and the repopulation of Ithilien. And I think it works the
same way after Aragorn has brought Faramir back from the brink of
death, only then I imagine the scent of hope would be stronger, more
realistic and perhaps almost tangible, rather than just the hope of hope.

Title: In the Hours of Joy · Author: Spindle Berry · Genres: Drama:
With Merry · ID: 289
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 21:58:58
It is amazing how we can become connected to people, especially in
tragedy. Once he Gimli has brought Pippin in from the field, Merry
supplants the Dwarf as Pippin's caretaker, so Gimli becomes Merry's
unmoveably. This story captures those interconnectednesses perfectly.

Title: Stone from Above · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Men · ID: 284
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 22:02:21
A fitting end to an unsung hero.

Title: End Times · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 702
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 22:04:16
Oh, one of my favourite moments, the arrival of the Rohirrim and their
singing in battle. I've always thought that must have been an utterly
surreal thing to hear, in the midst of all the fear, panic, horror
that was surely happening in the White City.

This drabble has a sense of rushing and urgency and confusing that's
absolutely perfect, as is Mag, quite uncharacteristically, slapping a
frightened kitchen wench. You can't blame either woman for her
reaction; both are imminently reasonable in a situation where the
entire world seems to be turned upsidedown, and I like that even in
the midst of such chaos, Mag is worried about what is happening to
Faramir.

And this line [What did it all mean?] beautifully sums up what I'm
sure everyone in Minas Tirith - and perhaps Middle Earth - was
thinking at the time. It's hard for us as readers to really
*understand* how terrifying the siege must have been, since we know
the ending of the tale, but for the people living it, it certainly
would have seemed as if there would be no tomorrow, and therefore
today did not matter.

Title: Mettare · Author: rhyselle · Races: Cross-Cultural: The
Fellowship · ID: 732
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 22:06:13
Sometimes it's the simplest tales that are the most true. This is a
lovely pair of vignettes, each of the characters far from home at a
time when home is treasured most. I'm glad you didn't tell us their
wishes, then the wouldn't have come true.

Title: A Hidden Hope · Author: dancingkatz · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 465
Reviewer: rhyselle · 2007-12-28 22:09:09
Theodred is an interesting fanfic character. All we have from canon is
his name and relationship and a few bare facts, such as the fact that
his mother died bringing him into the world and that he died at the
Fords of Isen at the hands of Saruman's Uruk-hai. In between the 40
years of his existence there is a blank canvas that can be filled by
fanfic. [A Hidden Hope] takes a fanon premise that Grima Wormtongue
used his influence to alienate Theoden-King from his son, to the
detriment of Rohan as a kingdom as its background and fits it in with
film canon.

But [A Hidden Hope] goes beyond that premise and proposes that in his
exile to the Westfold, Theodred has been blessed with finding love and
a wife, whom he has for far too short a time before his life ends. It
is based on the movieverse where Theodred dies in Edoras instead of in
the Westfold, and in a way is two stories in one, as each episode of
Theodred and Edlyn's courtship are framed by the events of the days
from the mortally wounded prince's arrival in Edoras to his (yet to be
written) death and burial, from the perspective of his cousin Eowyn,
who cares for him.

The culture of the Riddermark is brilliantly described; the reader can
see and smell and hear and feel the things that the characters do and
the environment in which they live. One of my favorite parts in the
series so far is the Gathermeet, where the Eastfold and Westfold
compete against each other in horsemanship and feats of arms--a
horse-lord's tournament, as it were. While some might say that it
makes no sense for the Rohirrim to waste time with such an event in a
time of war, I can see it as a wonderful way to encourage the people,
to show them that the Riddermark will not allow the enemy to take away
who and what they are.

It's ultimately a tragic tale, for Theodred does die too young, and
has happiness for such a short span of time, but there is joy,
laughter, practical jokes, wistfulness, romance, and, yes, even that
hope which is hidden but abides in the end.

Edlyn, daughter of Erkenbrand, is an original female character, but
she is no Mary Sue. She does stupid things and great things in equal
measure. She gets frustrated with her life, and is unbelieving that
she is the object of Theodred's love. She has annoying brothers and a
doting but firm father. She's not so perfect that we can't stand it,
but she's definitely worthy of being Theodred's bride.

Hopefully, those individuals who skip over fics who have OFCs in them
will give this story a chance, because it really deserves one. I
haven't seen any other fics that dare to address Theodred's love life
in a het relationship that still follows film or book canon in regards
to his death.

I look forward to the completion of this tale, even though I know I
will weep at the end when Theodred goes to the Halls of his Fathers.

Title: Still Waters. · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Fingolfin · ID: 529
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-28 22:14:28
[spoiler alert!]

I think Ellie is one of those authors’s who really can take a
character that is mentioned along the passing in Tolkien's works, and
is able to make a very tangible character out of her. I have read
several stories written by this author featuring the Noldor Queen’s
and this one shed a different light on Ainairë, Fingolfin’s wife,
still in Ellie’s works the character (or her take on it) remains constant.

[Still Waters] appears to be a quiet vignette, but underneath a calm
appearance, many emotions and memories haunt Ainarë, not only that, it
starts to rain as well. This simply notion unleashes a wide range of
thoughts and Ellie’s comparison of Fingolfin to a fountain is very
striking. As I read that part I thought: this is exactly what he tried
to do, a repeating cycle in its own beauty, but often taken for granted.

This story contains more beautiful moments, for example the moment
when Ainarë enters her own home; she sheds the warm and wet cloak,
filled with memories that she wants to leave behind for now. It is
seems such a simple moment, but it is quite powerful all the same when
you read it. While reading the train of thoughts of this character, it
feels as if she is done with the past and left it all behind (for
those curious about that moment, do read [Raven Hair and Silver Eyes]
written by Ellie), even the power she once had as a queen herself or
the actions of her own children against their own kin. However, the
end however tells us otherwise. There in the privacy of her home,
Ainarë dreams of that what is lost to her and I deeply hope one day it
shall happen, sadly enough it will not restore what once was. This
vignette is masterfully written and an amazing idea is well executed.
This is simply beautiful!


Title: Setting the Captives Free · Author: pippinfan88 · Races:
Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 245
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 22:16:59
This is an important moment in the "Scouring of the Shire" that
Tolkien gives too short shrift to and it's nice to see it elaborated
here. Still, what strikes me most is not the adventurers devotion to
Fredegar, but thier own growing understanding that old lines of emnity
within their own lives no longer matter.

Title: Four Voices - Autumn, 3018 · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 756
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 22:18:08
I really have troubles articulating why I love this so much. I think
it's the committment of Theodred and Boromir to one another over so
many years, even through their long separations and the fact that of
course, even if history had not gone the way it did, that the two men
would always be so parted. It is also extremely touching that even
after so many years, both Boromir and Theodred are capable of reacting
to one another as if they were meeting for the first time, ever
enthralled and distracted by a simple smile, a smile that each knows
is meant only for him, and no other person.

The quiet approval of the cousins is lovely; Eomer and Eowyn seem to
always have known of the association between the Second Marshal and
Gondor's heir, and what is more, they both accepting it
unhesitatingly. I also love the way both Eomer and Eowyn are envious
of what Theodred and Boromir have together - I would imagine that both
are thinking that it would be impossible to find someone so devoted to
*them* (although fortunately we know they both will).

The last line, along with the date, gives the whole piece a sharply
bittersweet tang, for of course in just a few months, both Theodred
and Boromir will fall. I wouldn't say the last line is hopeful,
exactly, but it helps the teeniest bit, thinking that the two men will
find each other again [on some far green shore]

Title: Where There's Life, There's Hope (and in need of vittles) ·
Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 463
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 22:26:00
It's amazing how such a little thing as fresh bread baking can lift
the spirit, and this drabble shows that can the scent do that, it can
also stand for so much more than just plain sustenence.

I would think this would be particularly true to Aragorn, for as a
Ranger wandering the wilds, he would have no access to *anything*
fresh other than meat - bread seems a common enough thing, but one
must have an oven and a house to put that oven in to create it. And I
would assume that warm bread, to him, would stand for "civilization",
safety, comfort, dry feet and a warm bed, and everything he had sworn
to protect. If someone has the time to make bread, then all must be
right with the world, or if not yet completely right, then well on its
way. I wouldn't be surprised if Aragorn took himself right up to the
kitchens and sat there, waiting, until Mag pulled the loaves out of
the oven and cut him as many hot, steaming slices as he could eat.







Title: Divided · Author: Pen52 · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 223
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 22:28:30
This story has a great deal to recommend it. First there are the
characterizations - simple but never simplistic, Pippin's coming to
grips with the reality of legend, and of war, Boromir's nobility and
steadfastness, Aragorn's mediating and acknowledging his own
vulnerability. The story says much, and leaves even more unsaid as
only a skilled writer can.

Title: Steward and Thain · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 87
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 22:29:54
I found the characterization of Pippin in this story a bit mushy, but
very much enjoyed the commonalities the story explored and how Merry
and Aragorn were woven in when the stories of the original two also
expanded beyond just their own adventures.