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Title: Triolet: The Weaver's Song · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Poetry · ID: 553
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 23:05:01 Score: 7

I'm deeply envious of Ann's ability to work within this structure; I
can usually manage free verse, haiku and the occasional filk, but I
can not seem to manage other poetry forms without a great deal of
swearing. Although she ventures into poetry rarely, Ann makes it seem
very easy, especially with evocative lines like [Dark velvet and black
sable, my blood and tears to fix the charm....I’ll weave my love like
armor, to shield him from all harm.], mystical and powerful all at
once, while being strongly evocative, portraying the cloak as
something more than itself, and one can almost believe that this cloak
is in fact something otherwordly, able to deflect swords or arrows.
Besides that, this triolet seems very well suited to the LOTR-verse;
although I first read this triolet with an animist's eye, hearing the
words as the voice of the cloak itself, I can effortlessly hear
weavers singing this song as they work, teaching their children and
apprentices the cadence and how to match the act of weaving to the
song (or vice versa). It's a perfectly gorgeous piece, and it's one of
my favourite bits of poetry ever.



Title: Charms of Wisdom and Grace · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ithilien · ID: 460
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 23:18:17 Score: 8
I love the idea of Faramir using weaving not only as relaxation, but
as a rememberence as well. I can just picture him as an earnest young
man, observing the weavers at work, then trying it out for himself in
an out-of-the-way storeroom - I wonder how long it took for him to be
able to weave a length without having to unravel it and start again,
and if he went down the weavers' section of town to ask for hints.

And I like how Eowyn is proud,not only of her husband's skill, but of
his devotion to his son and brother, showing his love for them by
producing something with the hard work of his own two hands - it does
make me think that Faramir eventually did weave a length of fabric for
Eowyn herself.

[Lavender clears the mind, he’ll find that helpful, while he’s
studying. And rosemary, too, to strengthen the memory…]
Heee! How very like Faramir, to think of what herbs would be useful in
an academic context. Again, as with [The Weaver's Song] triolet, this
gives the act of weaving a mystical, otherworldly aspect - and don't
think I've missed how Eowyn knows that song as well, which would imply
that the song, or a version of it, exists in Rohan. I'd love to see
how the Rohirric version differs from the Gondorian one.


Title: Father and Son · Author: Istarnie · Genres: Drama: Second Age
or Earlier · ID: 718
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-28 23:19:12 Score: 10
[this review has spoilers]

I cannot remember if I mentioned it before, but Istarnie manages to
use archaic dialogue and narrative quite well. To me it just feels
that both resort to this to hide such turbulent emotions after Amras’
death at Losgar (only told in HOME 12). I think this is one of
Istarnie’s best pieces: it is strongly written in a convincing voice
that simply presents you with a very vivid scene. The dialogue is
sharp, convincing, questioning, and leaving me as a reader
wondering... did he truly know or not. The tension is so tangible as
it almost feel that we stand there like Maedhros: simply wanting to
know not only at his own behalf, but also for others. As for Fëanor,
it simply shows here that this unexpected twist even unsettled him
greatly. The entry in the journal shows that he wished his last
quarrel with Nerdanel hand not turned out to be that disastrous, even
though she warned of her foresight. It shows us there how much he
misses his wife who most of the time stood at his side. Maedhros is at
ease and knows now what to tell to his brother, but it will not heal
the hurts of a bereaved father who deeply wishes that things had gone
quite differently. This is a very complete and compelling piece, yet
one can read it as a gapfiller of what has transpired at Losgar
between father and son.

Title: Fell Wisdom · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 323
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-28 23:28:04 Score: 5
Even heroes or kings have a moment of doubt, that is why it feels so
great when they overcome their inner conflict, especially in this
drabble. I always considered that Théoden's reign was not the most
easy one, and it didn't became easier after he also lost his son.
These details are cleverly woven into this drabble, yet he refinds
himself and shall indeed lead with all he can. This is a fine drabble
with a great ending with delicate touches here and there that simply
adds to this piece, something that isn't always easy given the exact
word count.

Title: Foreign Ways · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 54
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 23:28:05 Score: 6
Mag is wonderful here (as she always is), with a gastromomic sense of
adventure that, amusingly, her friend Nall does not share. I like the
way Mag is immediately intrigued by the unfamiliar drink, and how,
even though there is little shared language between her and the
Rohirrim, she still manages to wiggle the recipe out of them.

I also like the glimpses of the dynamic between Mag and Nall, [I
sighed, but there was little I could do: though she was my closest
friend, she needed to learn to be responsible for herself], and how
understanding (if perhaps reluctantly so) Mag is of Nall's whimsical
nature.

While I must admit that [kumiss] does not sound in any way appealing
to me, it is lucky that it was appealing to *Mag*, for it allows her
to find common ground with the new Lady of Ithilien. She says [I did
so like Lady Éowyn; I found her pragmatism an excellent foil to my
lord Faramir’s dreaminess], which is undoubtedly true, but I can't
imagine that Eowyn wouldn't like Mag, especially when she is so
enthusiastic about learning more about foods of Rohan.

Title: The Company of Heroes · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 393
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 23:35:17 Score: 8
This is a lovely, somewhat bittersweet glimpse at Sam's perception of
Boromir. It seems very real to me that it would take innocent
questioning from one of his own children to make Sam stop and consider
why he doesn't talk much about Boromir, and why he's carried anger
towards Boromir for so long. I think it makes sense, that Sam of all
people would be resentful toward Boromir, for as Sam's only focus on
that journey was Frodo, the act of Boromir trying to take the Ring
would seem *personal* to Sam, rather than just the Ring working its wiles.

While Sam's anger doesn't seem to have communicated itself to his
children, they do all notice that their da doesn't speak much of him,
and that in itself is telling. This doesn't seem to have lessened
Hamfast's admiration of Boromir, however, and it makes me wonder what
he's heard of Boromir from Pippin and Merry. I like that, in the end,
Sam does seem to decide that it's time to stop holding the grudge
against Boromir, and just accepts the events of the quest as fate,
something that may not have been pleasant, but that *had* to happen.

Title: An Interview with a Woodelf · Author: dreamingfifi · Races:
Elves: Incomplete · ID: 227
Reviewer: rhyselle · 2007-12-28 23:37:04 Score: 3
I truly enjoyed this. The premise is very cool, with an original male
character that is most definitely not a Gary Stu. I can't wait to see
where dreamingfifi takes the tale. The ominousness of the character
"Grimvoice" raises my hackles and I have to say that the protagonist
is very very intriguing.

Title: Bliss and Beauty · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabble
· ID: 20
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-28 23:38:39 Score: 4
Ah this drabble speaks of the patience Tuor showed to capture Idril's
heart, drabbled by the use of starting the sentences with numbers
which tells the tale how long he had to wait. I love the mentioning of
Beren and Luthien in this piece, even though I am not sure such news
would have reached Gondolin being so hidden from the outside world,
even though some outsiders might have done so. That is an intriguing
thought! Anyway, this drabble has a nice build up to the happy and
rewarding end. This is a nice drabble Imhiriel!

Title: Multicultural Interactions · Author: annmarwalk · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 18
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 23:44:50 Score: 7
Oh my gosh, Elboron and Elanor are honestly just too adorable
together. I love harum-scarum Elboron, tearing around the Citadel,
completely distracted by things like moonlight on cobblestone; Elanor,
trying to remember everything of the White Tree so she can describe it
to her siblings, and the both of them, being equally impressed with
one another (or perhaps more accurately, one another's father's) right
off the bat.

The dynamic between these two is wonderful- they seem to hit it off
right away, and I'm sure both fathers will be happy to know that their
children are getting along so well! The way they're both trying to
keep from laughing, although it's a very silly situation, how each
holds their father in highest regard and how they miss their
respective homes. Hopefully at the tea tomorrow, they'll stop worrying
about formalities and just enjoy themselves. They're both so friendly,
I can't imagine they won't.


Title: Gifts · Author: Acacea · Genres: Humor: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 500
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-28 23:49:21 Score: 5
*giggle* Ah, poor Denethor, trying to save his keepsakes from being
gnawed on by a baby! I do wonder what on earth compelled him to decide
that his study was a good place for baby-sitting - perhaps Denethor
just felt more comfortable there than in the nursery?

I do feel for him; children that age just want to jam everything in
their mouths, and they are no respecters of price or sentimentalism!
If they can reach it, they'll try to eat it. Thank goodness Gandalf
gave Denethor that pipe! Maybe Thorongil gave Denethor some
knick-knack little Faramir can slobber on?

Title: And Thought How Blessed He Was · Author: Imhiriel · Genres:
Romance: Drabble · ID: 670
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-28 23:52:18 Score: 3
A lovely and intimate drabble of a moment between Aragorn and Arwen.
Without ever stating anything explicitly, Imhiriel creates an
atmosphere of sensuality and deep sensibility. Beautifully written â€"
well done!


Title: Geometry · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 80
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-29 00:00:21 Score: 7
I am no longer surprised by how Branwyn can continually surprise me by
coming up with perspectives on topics which are both fresh and
unexpected and yet, once they have been pointed out, undeniably "right".

This drabble is a fine example of the way she combines those wonderful
insights with her undoubted talent for wordsmithery. The neatness of
concept and neatness of its expression not only compliment each other
but are entirely fitting given the subject of the piece.

The geometric metaphor in this beautifully shaped drabble perfectly
captures the relationships between Denethor and his sons, both before
and after Boromir's departure for Rivendell. The idea is then wrapped
in direct, strong language where not a word is wasted or misplaced,
adding to the power of the drabble.

This is one of those drabbles I keep reading and re-reading with an
increasing sense of envy that I didn't write it and a growing desire
to create something as affecting and effective. Bravo indeed!

Title: Soap · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 552
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 00:09:44 Score: 10
Although all of Fallen is populated with beautifully drawn original
characters that are very easy to identify with and care about, I
absolutely adore these almost-but-not-quite-modern offshoots of the
Fallen universe. They always read as almost World War I-era to me, and
mixing that feel with the Ring War makes the whole thing more than a
little surreal, and it works marvelously, when really it probably
shouldn't. The fact that it *does* work like gangbusters is a credit
to Aliana's ability as a writer.

This fic I love particuarly: Beren with his
"in-denial-and-knows-it-and-is-working-very-hard-to-stay-there"
approach, all the conflicting emotional reactions/thoughts he's having
(or trying not to have) to the death of his friend Tarondor, the way
it's all closing in on him as he's attempting to act normal seem very
real - even asking The Girl out on a date seems to me a realistic
reaction, another desperate attempt to keep Tarondor's death at bay,
when I can't imagine a worse possible time for a first date.

There are many wonderful details as well - the [museum as a memorial
to the ennui of women], the stilted dinner conversation, every single
thing about Crazy Lou and his restaraunt - all come together to form
an almost familiar, yet totally new pocket of space that's just
wonderful to discover.

[ And then he’s angry at himself for being angry at her, angry at her
for sitting here beside him when he doesn’t want anything to do with
her anymore. When he only wants his friend back. She puts her hand on
top of his head.]
This is a perfectly perfect little moment, reality setting in on him
and the grief pushing everything else aside. And her reaction is
perfect as well - minimal, because really, she doesn't know him and
besides, nothing will actually give comfort, but sympathetic. She
doesn't know his friend, either, but she knows grief, and it won't be
enough, but that's all she can do.

The entire story is delicately, skillfully held together - Beren's so
finely balanced between keeping it together and freaking out at any
given moment that any time anyone speaks, it's a bit nerve wracking.
But that's as it should be.

Title: Begetting Day · Author: Lady Aranel · Races: Elves: With
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 146
Reviewer: dancingkatz · 2007-12-29 00:14:40 Score: 7
So many stories make King Thranduil out to be abusive or at least
uncaring as to his child(ren)'s situations and as an elf without a
sense of humor or compassion. In this charming story none of the above
descriptions apply.

Here we find a Thranduil who is very in love with his wife (who is
more than a beautiful cipher or a bitter memory), who is a firm but
loving parent and an elf who most definitely has a sense of humor. The
solution he comes up with to solve young Legolas' little problem is
inspired, showing his compassion for his son's predicament and
preventing his elfling from suffering undue embarrassment.

I don't want to give away anything so I'll just add that the scene is
written deftly and with a light hand and I'm still smiling as I type
this. If you are feeling blue, this story will cheer you right up and
if you're feeling happy, I can guarantee that you'll be chuckling
before you reach the end.

Title: Pick Your Battles · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 550
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 00:28:49 Score: 10
Huzzah! Another one of Aliana's wonderful Gondorian Neo-Surrealism
creations!

This story has a great, weary feel to it, but somehow, it's not as
claustrophobic as Fallen (a tone which I like very much, by the way).
Maybe it's because it's Valacar's perspective, because he tends to
seem a little less constricted by the events of the War, appearing to
take them in stride, or perhaps just that fact that he's older than
The Narrator makes it feel that way. Or perhaps it's the loosening of
the language;obviously if you stay in canon, everything's got to be
more formal, and even to an audience familiar with Tolkien's world and
style of writing, formal is more constrictive.

This is a fabulous mix of canon and modernity, without skidding into
Way Too Modern - the references to Hemingway, wondering if Mordor has
machine guns or tanks, Valacar's smoking, the deft turns of phrase
that I've come to expect from Aliana, but with a modern twist that
somehow makes both her characters and the events of the War even more
accessible, and interestingly, on some level more gritty. Perhaps it's
just that this portrayal is closer to our actual time-period.

I also am not sure if the dynamic between Valacar and Fíriel would
come across quite so well in a wholly-canon context; here, it's very
clear that they're old, comfortable friends, almost to the point of
siblings, and their interactions are lovely. Honestly I could read
this version of Fallen forever.

Title: Domestic Crisis · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Eriador
or Rivendell · ID: 729
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:34:52 Score: 4
This story plays in Surgicalsteels King's Surgeon universe and will
make much more sense when you know at least some of it.

I had to laugh how much Thalguron fights to escape responsibility. He
can be responsible when he wants to be, but he is not ready yet to act
his age. I think he surprised himself in this piece and getting praise
by Serinde makes him realize that he is about to blow is cover as the
irresponsible brother-in-law.

Title: Gondor's Sons · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Vignette · ID: 728
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:36:16 Score: 3
These are two delightful little ficlets. I like it that Faramir has
the support of his two brother kings, although Eomer should for once
take his mind off horses ;-). The moment he takes his newborn son into
his arms is quite touching.

Title: The Stranger · Author: mistycracraft · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 89
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:37:17 Score: 3
Young Edric watches the mysterious stranger sitting in his father's
inn. After the manner of young boys, he imagines all kinds of stories
about the man. I love it that the little smile and the kindness of the
stranger turns Edrics observations of the stranger on its head. What
was sinister before, is now perfectly reasonable.

Title: South · Author: Aliana · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 8
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 00:38:09 Score: 8
This is a beautifully understated bit of writing, with Merry visiting
Eowyn in Ithilien. I love how they barely speak at all in this piece,
yet the entire thing is filled with quiet emotion, friendship, and
ease with one another.

[Éowyn understands a small obscure piece of him, a strange knotty tune
playing itself out always at the back of his mind.]
This is really the whole point, isn't it? All the people who were
affected by the Ring War can be with one another and know that their
past experiences are understood by the people who were their
companions at that moment. Whether any reference is ever made to the
Ring War or not in their conversations, it is a common experience, and
by virtue of that alone, Merry and Eowyn are closer to each other on
some levels than they are to anyone else.

I tend to think that only Eowyn understands what Merry went through
and vice versa, because both had been ordered to stay behind and yet
were determined to go; they were side-by-side throughout the Battle of
Pelennor Fields, fought the same foe, and both suffered the same
wounds. I would think it would be very relaxing for both of them, in a
way, to have such a friend, to know that there is another person who
*does* truly understand.


Title: Tamer's Tale · Author: juno_magic · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 41
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:39:07 Score: 4
[spoilers]
This story is really a tale as in Fairy Tale. The writing gives the
story a dreamlike feeling, the feeling of reading a legend or fairy
tale. I was skeptical about a romance for Gandalf, but the
relationship between Tamer and Gandalf is believable. The
peculiarities of Gandalfs nature as a wizard are taken into account
and I like it that it does not have a happily ever after. It feels
more 'real' that way, although that seems to be a contradiction to
this story having the feel of a fairy tale..

Title: A Ranger's Love (Song to Arda) · Author: Michelle · Races: Men:
Eriador or Rivendell · ID: 112
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:41:02 Score: 3
A beautiful little piece about the seasons of Arda. The series is
rather unusual, since it starts with Winter and ends with Spring. I
love the language and the way that each description of the good and
bad of a season is evenly distributed.

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Altariel · Genres: Romance: Gondor ·
ID: 609
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:43:03 Score: 10
[spoilers]
This is one of the earliest stories I ever read about Faramir and
Eowyn. It is for me in parts painful to read, but, still, I come back
to it again and again, since after all the pain, the ending is so
satisfactory and balances out the painful beginnings.

Both Faramir and Eowyn are deeply affected by their experiences during
the war and even earlier. They both have learned well to keep up
appearances and show the world the face they think the world expects.
They just forget that a marriage doesn't work that way. And so, with
relentless inevitability, the reader watches the mounting
misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misconceptions until the
final unavoidable confrontation when it all falls apart. But unlike in
modern times that is not the end of it. What then follows is the
uplifting struggle to rebuild the relationship, which is not easy, and
the reconciliation at the end seems like a great victory and lets me
tear up every time I read the story.

The changing first person narrators who take turns in telling the
story are very effective in making the consequences of the actions or
non actions of the main characters visible. Faramir and Eowyn are well
rounded characters and the supporting cast, most notably Imrahil and
Aragorn, are very well drawn.



Title: Subdivisions · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 551
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 00:43:58 Score: 10
I deeply enjoy this version of the Narrator, all annoyed with these
kids today and the way things are changing so rapidly and tourists
invading her well-ordered workspace and OMG GET OFF MY LAWN. She's
definitely got the curmudgeonly thing going, and somehow I find it
very endearing, while being a very realistic attitude of someone
living through the reconstruction and all that goes with it.

I LOVE the oh-so-very-married dynamic between her and ...her
husband,both in the cafe and when she's teaching the kids how to sew
stitches. The exchange between she and Elloth is wonderful. In Fallen
proper, it always seems like they're slightly too far apart in many
ways to actually be friends, but here I get the definite impression
that, even if they're not let's-have-lunch friends, they've got a
clear understanding of each other in a way they do with no-one else.
They seem very comfortable and fond of one another, and I imagine that
one wouldn't really know what to do without the other, although it's
possible they'd deny it.

And I have to admit, I get the same sense of outrage Narrator has
about making the Pelennor a subdivision when I hear of old buildings
are torn down to make room for new, shiny, modern, ugly buildings -
how dare they? Don't they know the history behind those buildings?
Don't they know those buildings are important and significant?

With the Narrator, it seems as if she's trying to hold on to a part of
the past that really, wasn't actually something that it seems like one
would *want* to hold on to. But perhaps it isn't so much she's wanting
to hold on as it is that she's afraid the entire War will be
forgotten, minimized somehow, if the Pelennor is filled with condos
and split-level ranch-style homes. I can't entirely disagree with her.

Title: Under the Eyes of the Evenstar · Author: Raksha the Demon ·
Genres: Drama: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 680
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:45:17 Score: 3
[spoilers]
That is an idea. Arwen and her ladies ogling Boromir while bathing.
But Arwen shows that she is a lady. I like it that her behavior makes
her more accessible to me and at the same time she shows that she is a
daughter of the house of Elrond.

Title: Farewell · Author: Vilwarin · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn · ID: 706
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-29 00:48:13 Score: 3
This is a beautiful touching moment between Halbarad and Aragorn. The
trust and friendship between these two men is palpable in this ficlet.
We can just hope that they really had a moment like this before the
battle.