Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Land of Gift · Author: Maeve Riannon · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 108
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 08:03:28 Score: 4
A very, very, *very* different look at the creation of Numenor. Idril
and Tuor both pierce my heart in this story, for they are bitter and
angry - far from the romantic ideal that I've always cherished. And
yet, the author's point is well-taken: Why should Tuor have been the
one to break the Ban of the Valar *and* cross from mortal to
Elven-kind? I love the bit at the end, where their spirits still have
a connection to the land of their descendants.

Title: The Promise in her Eyes · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 100
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 08:05:17 Score: 6
A very sweet, extremely entertaining snapshot of young Eowyn through
the eyes of a ["grubby, rootless, traveling musician"]. The tone and
voice of the story are really wonderful, perfectly colloquial, and the
honest, "Hey, I didn't know!" protest of the would-be lover is
delightfully guileless. (Although, we of course know not to trust him
completely...)

All the lovely story-telling aside, my favorite part of this piece is
seeing a beautiful, young, carefree and flirtatious Eowyn, before her
uncle slipped under the Worm's control and Rohan fell under heavy
shadow. One can imagine how Faramir might have seen into her heart and
unearthed some of this much later on.

That we also get to imagine glowering, magnificent, protective Eomer
is a total bonus. *g*

Title: Love Story · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 273
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 08:06:47 Score: 7
*splutter*

This was a real treat to discover, chock full of cute images and
delightful humor. Just the idea of a Hobbity rendition of the Tale of
Tinuviel is enough to start me giggling, but Gandalf's Apprentice has
once again tucked so many gentle and subtle tidbits into place that it
takes more than one reading to really appreciate it all.

The word choices are what jump out at me most of all: Beren's
face-splitting grin and chubby arms, Luthien's scampering dance and
bellowing. It paints an astonishingly clear scene of the children's
practice run, in all its charmingly altered glory. And somehow the
actions described throughout leave me in no doubt about the
characterizations, even to worldly Bilbo having the role of theater
critic.

The title is ideal: as down to earth as the Hobbits, but encapsulating
their play's plotline just fine. (It also calls to mind the American
film of the same name, which leaves me with a whole 'nother set of
thoughts on parallels...)

Title: Firelight · Author: Songspinner · Genres: Drama: Ithilien · ID: 817
Reviewer: Inkling · 2007-12-30 08:09:57 Score: 4
These evocative vignettes illuminate the close bonds of friendship and
support among the members of Fellowship as they recover at Cormallen.
Songspinner skillfully employs a unifying theme of fire in its full
range of symbolism: as a source of comfort and warmth, of summons and
inspiration, and of terror and death. Especially nice is the image of
Gimli at his forge, and Aragorn seen in a rare moment of
vulnerability. Very nicely done!

Title: To This My Love Hath Come At Last · Author: Roh_wyn · Genres:
Romance: Incomplete · ID: 699
Reviewer: Illwynd · 2007-12-30 08:30:39 Score: 10
I'm not usually one to go for Boromance stories, but this one is a
pleasure to read. The OCs are realistically drawn, the canon
characters are portrayed well and with wonderful insight, and the
relationships between the characters are particularly well-done. I
very much enjoyed the interaction between Boromir and Faramir, as it
showed the warmth, humor, and depth that I believe existed between
them, while avoiding downplaying the differences between them. It has
also been interesting watching the relationship between Boromir and
Miriel evolve. Roh_wyn makes the growing affection between them
believable by making their doubts and uncertainties clear, and keeping
most of their interaction light, while still letting the reader
glimpse what’s going on beneath the surface. I also enjoyed the
interaction between Boromir and his Dol Amroth kin.

The story is also rich with details, bringing to life a nicely
canon-compatible vision of life in Gondor. The intrigue at the
councils, the description of the market that Boromir and Miriel visit
together, and dozens of other little details make the story feel very
real. Well worth the read, and I can’t wait to see what Roh_wyn does
with the story from here!

Title: Vocabulary Lessons · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 521
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 08:38:35 Score: 7
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is the story of the comeuppance of a young minor lord from
Lossarnach, who comes to the Citadel to present his father's
credentials to King Elessar. His father had not come to the aid of
either Pelargir or Minas Tirith during the Siege of Gondor, and was
now belatedly claiming loyalty to the King.

Unfortunately, this young popinjay thinks himself above all the people
left in the Citadel to deal with him, so the seneschal passes him on
to the Lords Iorhael and Perhael, who are not impressed. There are
consequences for the young lord's conceit, but also hope at the very
end that he might learn some humility.

I enjoyed this story, which might possibly be called a comedy of
manners. It was delicious for us, as readers, to know who the idiot
young lord was dealing with, though he did not. Let us just say that
he left a rather negative impression on those who actually matter.

I laughed a lot while reading this story. Well done!

Title: The Wind's Tale · Author: Cara Loup · Races: Hobbits: Gapfiller
· ID: 457
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-12-30 08:41:38 Score: 7
I have so enjoyed the plethora of tales that I never would have read
if not for these MEFA Awards. This tale is one that I know I would not
have found... but it is a treasure.

I do not usually like tales that ae full of descriptive paragraphs.
But there is something haunting in the way this writer writes that
kept me up way too late at night so that I could finish it - sometimes
a tale as good as this needs to be read in one fell swoop!

My favorite part was the time in Cirith Ungol. That passage in
Tolkien's tale has always held me in its sway because of Sam's 'song'
- and the writer does not fail expectations for this time in Frodo and
Sam's journey. Especially, I shuddered at the thought of Sam going
through those bodies, searching for clothing that would fit the two of
them as they continued on in the Quest. It was a horrifying thought -
one that had not occurred to me. I still shudder as I think of it.
Dearest Sam.

A very different tale - one beautifully written that I am glad that I
found.

Title: Yours to command · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance:
With Rohirrim · ID: 129
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 08:47:24 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a funny and touching romance between two people who would not
seem to be suited to each other -- the King of Rohan, and the wild,
undisciplined, headstrong -- and blind -- Lothiriel, daughter of
Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth.

As can be imagined, there are strong obstacles to the romance,
including the disapproval of his men and her father, who tends to be
overly protective... and don't forget the plotting by romantic rivals
and numerous misunderstandings. However, there are serious and
unexpected plot twists and turns that, in the end, prove the doubters
wrong.

I enjoyed reading this romance. Well done!

Title: Gifts · Author: Acacea · Genres: Humor: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 500
Reviewer: Illwynd · 2007-12-30 08:48:15 Score: 4
I don’t think I will ever not love this sweet and funny little story.
It’s certainly a situation that anyone who has spent much time around
small children can relate to, but what I really adore about this is
the way Denethor is drawn in a sympathetic light as he frantically
tries to keep his cherished possessions out of his young son’s mouth.
I also liked Boromir's cameo--I can just picture him revealing that
information from the lofty heights of older-brotherhood. And, of
course, that last line is just hilarious.

Title: The Wink of an Eye · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 664
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 09:03:07 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This drabble caught me completely by surprise, and I laughed out loud.
Wicked, wicked, wicked Sauron....

What a great, unexpected sense of humor! Well done.

Title: One Who Sticks Closer than a Brother · Author: Lindelea ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 417
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 09:11:00 Score: 4
(Possible spoilers within:)

Lindelea writes Hobbits who are three-dimensional, adult characters,
and her Ferdibrand Took is one of my favorites. This story flashes
back and forth, bringing him through multiple dangers, many of which
caused by the Ruffians during their Occupation of the Shire. It is
both fascinating and scary at times, and I look forward to updates.
Well done!

Title: Could Will Have Its Way · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Gondor Drabble · ID: 286
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 09:28:52 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a chilling look at why Denethor might have looked into the
palantir, which led to him being misled by Sauron. We do know that he
became more grim after his wife died, so this is a plausible
scenario... and certainly a scary one! His descent into madness seems
almost inevitable under this scenario.

Well done!

Title: Heart of Lamedon · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabble · ID: 288
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 09:43:13 Score: 6
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a beautifully evocative character sketch of an obscure
character who played a small but courageous role in the War of the
Ring. We know little of Lord Angbor of Lamedon, except that he
followed the Army of the Dead at Aragorn's bidding, when all others
fled in fear at their approach.

He is struggling here with what seems to be effrontery by this ragged
man, who nonetheless commands his attention. And after living so long
without thinking about the legends rooted at the sources of the
Morthond, he has found his courage to answer the Aragorn's summons.

I like the introspective nature of this drabble, and how the
repetition at the beginning so quickly draws us in and sets up the
dilemma of Angbor... but I especially like how this character's honor
wins out over his doubts.

This is compact, insightful writing at its best. Well done!

Title: Irreverence · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor · ID: 619
Reviewer: Inkling · 2007-12-30 10:05:18 Score: 5
Aratlithiel is one of the best Frodo-angst writers I know, but she's
no slouch at humor either, as she proves in this quirky piece.

Frodo and Pippin bicker like the close kin they are, knowing exactly
how to push each other's buttons. It's great fun to see the mighty
Heroes of the Quest letting their hair down--or pulling it out,
rather--and getting all snarky and immature. Hobbits make light of
serious matters, as we know, yet there's a kind of shock (and guilty
pleasure) in hearing them ridicule the other's darkest moments.

It's hard to single out a favorite line, the insults are all so
delicious, but I'm pretty fond of this one: ["Get your timelines
straight at least."]

Irreverence indeed!


Title: In Body and Mind · Author: Nessime · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 759
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 10:06:56 Score: 9
(Possible spoilers within:)

Ah, this is great, Nessime! I had very recently created a biography
for Elendur in the HASA Research Library, and had compiled those very
quotes for it.... and thought that it would be great if someone wrote
about the resemblances between Elendil and Elendur, and between
Elendur and Aragorn. I'm glad you had the same idea, probably long
before I did! LOL!

I especially like the point of view here, of a female Elf who might
have loved Elendur, if she had ever chosen to love a mortal. And her
shock of recognition when she opens her eyes shows just how strong the
resemblance to Aragorn is.

This is beautifully written, Nessime. I especially like how you
incorporate all the little obscure corners of canon seamlessly, like
the lay being sung in the Common Tongue to please Bilbo and make the
other Hobbits feel more comfortable.

And the author's notes! We likessss bitses of canon, oh yesss we
doesss! There are very few authors who will incorporate quotations
that are nearly six times as long as the drabble itself! *smiles in
complete innocence* I like!

Extremely well done, Nessime! Thank you for sharing this with us!

Title: Mentor · Author: Nessime · Times: Second Age: Drabble · ID: 653
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 10:20:18 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a touching observation of the Men of Numenor, who were given
Numenor when they were great, but fell into Darkness under the
influence of Sauron. The narrator is another Maia, who was assigned
the task of mentoring them... possibly Uinen, since they were great
sea-farers; but that is merely a guess on the part of this one reader.

It is sad that the Numenoreans choose to abandon the Maia mentor's
teachings for that of Sauron, and it is clear that there will be
memorable repercussions for that choice; I found myself empathizing
with the narrator.

Title: Perturbation of Fate · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 428
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 11:21:32 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a touching drabble about why Maglor might have stayed along
the seashore after casting the Silmaril there, despite being called
back to the Blessed Realm. It is a plausible idea, told with graceful,
evocative language. Well done!

Title: Stone from Above · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Men · ID: 284
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 12:10:23 Score: 6
(Possible spoilers within:)

We know little of the fate of Hama the Doorward, except that his body
was hewed by Orcs outside the gates of the Hornburg during the chaos
of the Battle of the Hornburg.

The author takes what little we know and spins it into a tale of
Hama's death - and such a death it is, worthy of every honor! The
story covers but a few minutes at the end of his life, but they are
slow, harrowing, and agony-stricken minutes. Hama knows he will die,
but in true Rohirric fashion, he fights off his impending death to
make one last contribution to the defense of one, in his judgement,
most worthy of that defense. He sacrifices his life to protect a king.

The story is very tense and well-written, a fitting tribute to a hero.

Title: The Weregild · Author: tyellas · Races: Dwarves · ID: 522
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 12:35:45 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

A tale of how Sauron as Annatar, Lord of Gifts, might have bestowed
one of the Seven Dwarven Rings of Power, and so ensnared the
dwarf-lords, and awakened the gold-lust in them.

At each step, Sauron seems smooth -- unctuous, actually -- and the
dwarf-king and his counsellor wary... but the king unwittingly
succumbs to the call of the ring.

As I read, I kept wanting to tell the dwarves, "No! Don't take it!"
but, for some reason, they did not listen. ;-) They seem wise at
first, but they cannot resist the lure of this fair-seeming ring.

An enjoyable read... well done!

Title: The Steward's New Clothes · Author: GypsieRose · Genres: Humor:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 511
Reviewer: Illwynd · 2007-12-30 13:01:21 Score: 5
This little story is delightful for so many reasons, and it has to be
one of the best Denethor-related humor pieces I've ever seen. From the
bit of Seuss-inspired verse at the start, through the Steward's
unlikely method of concentration, the hilarious exchange between
Denethor and the tailor that is the focal point of the story, and the
numerous clever references hidden throughout, it's hard not to grin
all the way through. Sprinkled here and there are the lines that make
the piece unforgettable, each one an expertly dealt kick of humor.
Just recalling them can get me giggling anew. Definitely good funny!

Title: The Young Knights · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 98
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 13:15:47 Score: 8
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a fascinating and intricate story about young Lord Herumor of
Halabor, who has finished his training as a Knight of Dol Amroth, and
is about to be knighted in his uncle's town in Lossarnach.

The customs of the people in this story seemed to be modeled after
medieval Europe, with fiefdoms and fortresses and even large
tournaments, not to mention intrigues in the arenas of power and
romance. One of the things I especially like is the respect for the
imagined customs of the Old People, the original inhabitants of
Gondor, which I believe Tolkien called the Men of the White Mountains.
For example, Tolkien mentioned that those from Lossarnach favor
battle-axes for combat, and Soledad provides the plausible explanation
that they were favored by the Old People.

I think that this story shines in the way the people in it, whether
canon or original, are portrayed as realistically human, with good
qualities and faults and shining moments and bad. The story captured
my imagination, and made me curious about what would happen next to
these interesting people. Well done!

Title: Domestic Crisis · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Eriador
or Rivendell · ID: 729
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2007-12-30 13:17:36 Score: 10
To say that I love Surgicalsteel's Serindë would be the understatement
of the year. She is the heroine that is always able to make me
happy... thin and not too attractive, skilled and clever, secretly
romantic (but not overly so and certainly never soppy) and equipped
with a razor-sharp wit and tongue plus the colorful vocabulary of a
sailor (Serindë's "personal" curses "Damnitall" and "F...-a-Duck" are
legendary in the part of the fandom where her story is loved and
cherished).

In this tale her husband's brother Thalguron (originally an OMC,
created by shirebound) tries to satisfy the standards of his very
critical sister-in-law. The young man has a terrible reputation for
his wastage of women and normally doesn't really think with his brain
but with other parts of his body. In this delightful little tale he
has to take care of his little niece who dies to be a ranger when
she's grown up - and surprisingly enough, everything works out pretty
well. The niece is happy, Thalguron is surprised and Serindë actually
thankful for his considerate care of the little girl... a fact that
turns the poor philanderer's world upside down.

If you don't know the whole saga of "The King's Surgeon", it may be a
first, delightful glimpse, able to make your mouth water for more. If
you have been following her marvelous monster tale for years - like me
- be sure that you didn't miss this. It is simply wonderful.

Title: Fire and Ice · Author: NeumeIndil · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA · ID: 318
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2007-12-30 13:28:27 Score: 7
One of the reasons why I love NeumeIndil's Gamling/Morwen-tales so
much is the immense reality of this love story, set on the windy
planes of Rohan and close to the court of Meduseld. Her Gamling is a
warm-hearted, strong man, simple but not stupid, surprisingly wise and
an amazing lover. *fans self* (Which brings me to the fact that the
erotic scenes are real and lovely, too, and sizzling hot to boot. I
know many fanfiction authors with ambitions for "juicier" fiction who
should better take some lessons here...).

"Fire and Ice" explores the span of time when Gríma slowly increases
his influence over King Théoden. The war already casts a dark
foreshadow, and the unusual romance between a Rohan Warrior and an
(only seemingly) cynical whore from Gondor shines even brighter
against the growing darkness. I would wholeheartedly recommend to read
the whole series about the building and unfolding of their love on
"Open Scrolls".

Title: Three Cups of Kindness · Author: Elen Kortirion · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 448
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 13:44:35 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This drabble trio is poignant and bittersweet. Each vignette centers
on a bitter event in Aragorn's life, but in which a friend offers him
a drink to help stave off distress.

The language is beautifully evocative, and taken together, they convey
so much more than each alone. Very nicely done!

Title: The princess from the sea : a Gondorian fairy-tale · Author:
Fawsley · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 652
Reviewer: Illwynd · 2007-12-30 13:48:24 Score: 4
Call me a sap, but this fanciful little tale is enough to make me
smile, nod, and sigh wistfully. Although not exactly the sort of story
where one would expect to find Denethor and Finduilas, it works
well--it is deftly crafted and echoes with meaning laid out in
familiar patterns. Though the form is simple, the writing is perfected
fitted to it to make up a very unique, very sweet, and unexpectedly
satisfying story.