Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: A Little Misunderstanding · Author: Radbooks · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 275
Reviewer: Jay of Lasgalen · 2008-06-16 21:52:15
Poor Halbarad - two mysterious strangers turn up, whisk Aragorn off,
and he's never seen again. No wonder he's scared when they return!

Lovely characterisations of the twins, too. Elladan's guilt seems
typical of the way I view him.


Title: Midnight · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Romance · ID: 18
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:30:08
[He is snoring so quietly that it is more like the purr of a cat.]

An unforgettable opening line to a lushly romantic tale. It's a simple
scene - Theodred watching Boromir as he sleeps - but there's such an
endearing sense of trust, of vulnerability, to both of them here.
While revelling in his lover's presence, his warmth and scent,
Theodred surreptitiously examines scars old and new, trying not to
dwell on ever-present shadow of death that follows each of them. In
the end, Theodred simply surrenders himself to the "now" with Boromir,
treasuring each moment as it comes, setting aside all fears and
worries for the future. The closing lines are both luscious and
heartrending, exquisite in their simplicity and tenderness. A lovely
love story.

Title: Thoughtful Company · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 16
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:30:54
[" 'What must it be like?' I thought. 'To be so old and wise, and yet
to have no child or kin to brighten his life?' "]

I always enjoy reading stories which explore the relationship between
young Faramir and Mithrandir, so it's a great pleasure to see several
of them nominated for the MEFAs this year. This tale, in particular,
always brings a smile to my face, reminding me as it does of my own
very inquisitive children, and the steps we took to nurture that
boundless curiosity while at the same time encouraging the development
of critical thinking skills (trying, like Mithrandir, not to let it
out that we didn't really know the answers to some questions.)

The story-within-the-story, "How did the dragons get their treasure to
their lair?" is explored plausibly; these are certainly questions I
never bothered to ask myself while reading "The Hobbit", so it's very
satisfying to see them explored here. Nanny is proud of Faramir's
maturity and poise, and his obvious rapport with Mithrandir, , but
intermingled with her pride is a bit of melancholy on the wizard's
behalf, that he has no family or kin of his own. The manner in which
she encourages Faramir's boundless generosity is perfectly in
character, for both of them, and perfectly endearing as well.



Title: The Onion Riddle · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 13
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:31:39
Spoilers!
There are so many layers here, lovely twists and turns off the main
path of the tale, I can only hope that you'll revisit this and explore
some of these other side paths sometime, too!

As always, your imagery and descriptions are sublime: lines like [The
miner stared at each outcropping of stone, scratched it with a file,
and then sniffed and tasted the filings] carry a whole weight of
history and culture with them. I've never really imagined what a young
dwarf-maid would look like, but [silky beard and slight build and the
clear, almost musical sound of his speech] is enchanting. And how
could I not hoot with laughter at [Well, I doubt even dwarves are born
with whiskers, Beregond told himself then shook his head to dispel the
images of bearded dwarven babes]?

Of course I want to one day hear Beregond's tale of the freeing of
Moria; I'm sure the dwarves were just as astounded to discover that
they were accompanied by a hero who had done their folk such a valiant
service. The onion riddle (hee!) was well integrated into the tale,
and made perfect sense as the result of free-flowing liquor and warm
companionship.

Poor Beregond at the last! I wish I could have seen his face! I wish I
could see Faramir's face when Beregond tells him the story. Well done,
Branwyn!

Title: Invisible Ink · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 4
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:38:00
A unique view of Rohirric culture, a tale of extraordinary depth and
richness, this is almost like a tapestry, every inch worth exploring
for the unexpected detail, the line or curve that speaks volumes.

First of all, the annual gathering - what a marvelous glimpse into the
life of the Rohirrim, inviting us as guests to their festival. The
imagery here is marvelous: [" Almost as far as the distant lakeshore
campfires flickered, little pinpricks of flame in the dark that came
and went as groups of horses moved slowly, grazing, in and out of the
firelight."]

And the people of Rohan! The author has drawn them in a manner that is
so loving, and so real: ["Elders greeted one-another as doughty
survivors of another year, reminisced and planned matings of their
stock that they might never live to see. Men in their prime brought
their sons, raw youths, to be admitted into the circle of their
father's friends and some brought daughters too, softly-spoken girls
with downcast eyes in search of a handsome suitor, and keen-eyed
maidens, straight-backed and strong, who would take on a holding and
its master and make more of it than any man.']

So many other stunning details: the mourning ceremony for an aged bard
who cannot complete his tale; the counting and cataloging skills,
devised as children's games, to strengthen memory skills so vital in
an oral culture. These are cultural artifacts that Professor Tolkien
would certainly applaud .

And what a marvelous Eomer King the author given us. Well-grown into
his new role, yet still bearing the bittersweet knowledge and anguish
that his blessedness is built upon the loss of those he most loved.
The physical description of him alone is fabulous - the flowing golden
hair (and that bit of vanity, the rinse to keep it golden), the silken
shirt, the gold adornments. But this Eomer Eadig is different from so
many others we've read, in that this author has given him the pride
and courage, the confidence and determination, to keep the heritage of
his people intact, despite the most gentle and seductive and
well-meaning intentions of his king and friend. And the concept of the
King bearing, incised into his own body, the symbols of his heritage
and bloodline and contract with his people, is just stunning, and the
imagery this story elicts is just amazing. I can see it all so very
clearly, smell the peatsmoke and musky sweat (barely underlain with
camomile), taste the ale and hear the soft rustle of Eomer's silk
shirt sliding over his shoulders.

The (very slight) slash element to the story appears almost as a
consecration, a blessing, of the new bonds of trust and understanding
between Faramir and Eomer Eadig, a powerful symbol of the deepened and
renewed alliance between their peoples. Thank you once again,
alex_quine, for writing this story for me! It's a far richer gift than
I ever imagined.

Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:40:09
This is a wonderfully creeperific story. The use of alliteration in
words like [scuttle],[shuffle], and [scurry], as well as the fantastic
imagery they invoke, contributes quite richly to the disturbing,
heart-in-your-mouth mood as we try to figure out exactly what's wrong
with Boromir (and his zombielike aspect is fantastic!)

The description of Boromir's raptured love for his city,
counterbalanced by his ever-so-slight confusion and loneliness as he
realizes it has changed, but can't quite put his finger on how or why,
is painfully vivid. Boromir lovers can enjoy (ok, maybe not exactly
"enjoy") this as a very plausible AU, as well as a superb stand-alone
spooky story. Well done!

Title: As the Tide by the Moon · Author: EdorasLass · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 9
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:43:28
Spoilers!
What a rich story. Once again EdorasLass has displayed her sublime
skills at characterization, mood setting, and subtle dialog full of
underlying meanings.

The novel focuses on Eledher, the original character from "Eclipsed by
the Moon". In that story, she was infatuated with Grima; here, Grima
is taking advantage of Eledher's unspoken feelings to manipulate both
her and Théodred. It's amazing to watch Eledher's gradual transition
from a withdrawn, physically and emotionally traumatized serving wench
to a confident young woman, making a life for herself and her child in
a strange city. Her inherent dignity earns her both the respect of her
companions and a sense of self-respect even she did not realize she
had developed.

Théodred – what a marvel. This is not EL's usual Théodred, that is to
say, Boromir's Théodred, sunny natured, confident and proud. Eledher's
Théodred (though she would be shocked to hear him referred to thus)
has a gut-wrenching vulnerability, a sense of loneliness and anguish
as he watches his father's decline. Théodred does not even recognize
his need for the unconditional love he finds with Eledher, who asks
for nothing but simple warmth and companionship, freely given. The
scene where Théodred accosts Eledher in Minas Tirith, heart in his
mouth, was one of the most moving (and glee-inducing, I won't deny)
scenes I've ever read. ["Am I not his faeder, then?"] AY CARUMBA what
a scene! * stands and cheers *

The supporting characters, Éowyn, Éomer, Grima, are well-drawn as
well. Grima is in turn oppressively menacing as he terrorizes poor
Eledher, and totally in denial of Éowyn's contempt – a much more
disturbing characterization than Professor Tolkien ever imagined.
Éowyn is particularly strong here – intuitive, pragmatic,
self-reliant, yet surprisingly empathetic and supportive toward
Eledher, and a valuable partner to Théodred and Éomer as they seek to
untangle Grima's machinations.

It's very satisfying to note also that EL's het writing is as luscious
as her slash, the same understated eroticism which merely draws the
outlines of Eledher and Théodred's encounters, allowing the reader to
fill in the details using the richness of their own imaginations.


Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:44:00
There are many, many endearing elements to this story. First of all, I
really like the way you've picked up on the friendship between Faramir
and Legolas fostered by their common interest in the reclamation and
stewardship of the land. I probably don't give as much thought and
attention as I should to this aspect of Legolas and his post-war
career, so thank you for giving me a new aspect of LOTR to mull over
happily.

[For once conversation didn't evolve into remembrance of Boromir...
this day he was turned away from the past and future, his friends
rooting him firmly in the present.]

This is particularly lovely. There's only so much rehashing that can
be done, after all; how wonderful that his friends were there to help
him seize the moment, the perfect day and perfect company and
opportunity to escape, gleeful as a schoolboy!

The next paragraph really highlights for me the changes in Faramir's
life. The [austere trappings] of the office; Eowyn's lush, well
ordered garden with its low stone walls; the smiling wife who kisses
him goodbye - treasures he would never have imagined in the bleakness
of his Ranger days, when he may have felt himself constantly toiling
with no hope. Order brought to the chaos that was once Ithilien,
well-earned steadying calm, peace and prosperity; a whole new purpose
to his own life.

The closing scene is wonderful - Faramir having the opportunity to
return to his Rangering roots for the pure pleasure of it, in the
company of good friends. It's pastoral and peaceful and heartwarming
all at once. *happy sigh*

Title: Five Hair Care Tips for Rohirrim · Author: EdorasLass · Genres:
Humor · ID: 71
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-06-16 23:46:04
No matter how times I reread this, I still end up spewing whatever
nearby beverage all over the keyboard. What particularly leaves me
gasping and helpless is the totally straight-up tone of the narrator –
you can just visualize her on the Rohirric Self-Help Network, perkily
discoursing on the different types of shampoo and conditioner while
hunky riders model the latest fashions in sparkly clips. LOL!

Title: Stars of the Lesser · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age
and Prior · ID: 74
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-17 05:45:41
Spoilers!
Ah--the first meeting of Pengelodh and Celebrimbor as the former
steals time from his studies to play on the rocks of the inlet, and
the latter fetches luminous jellyfish in order to study how they
produce light.

A thought-provoking first encounter and look at how it is history is
written and tends to show bias.

Well written with a most believable scenario.

Title: Sharing Good News · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 216
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-17 05:53:43
Spoilers!
When one knows his love is returned, of COURSE one wishes to share
that revelation! Perhaps AU, as this particular caller is not known to
have truly befriended Bilbo at this time in the Hobbit's life; but
it's delightfully told, expressing well the delight and pent-up
emotion of Bilbo's caller!

A lovely example of Imhiriel's work.

Title: The Waker · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 287
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-17 06:00:14
A most fascinating look at the effect of a few stones tossed into the
water near the Gates to Moria. How does one express the feelings of
one who cannot speak? Wonderfully eery!

Title: Where Shadows Lay No More · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 358
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-17 06:11:01
A thoughtful and gentle story of Boromir witnessing the Coronation of
the King Returned. The telling is gentle and poignant; the imagery
delicate; the emotions well displayed. A wonderful tribute to the
power of fellowship and the enduring love we tend to know beyond final
partings.

Title: Your Father Loves You · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 424
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-06-17 23:38:01
Spoilers!
Many writers have tried to speculate what Denethor might have felt
when Faramir was born. This interesting and well written ficlet by
Raksha speculates on the Steward of Gondor's thoughts when his
youngest son is a week old. Raksha shows Faramir as as the unwitting
cause of his mother's frail hail. I personally think Finduilas was
more likely to have died of some thing like consumptioin, cancer, or
even a disorder linked to depression,or even simply faded away,as she
had Elvish lineage.However,it is quite plausible that Faramir's birth
contributed to her decline.
In this ficlet Denethor lives his baby son, but clear hints are given
of the troubles between them that lie ahead.Denethor notices the
baby's clear wise gaze that seems to look into his very soul. Denethor
also wishes the new baby had been a girl, maybe a strange wish,as it
is assumed the nobility want an heir and a spare, but the Steward
knows that in the world in which he lives,sons will be expected to go
out to fight and maybe die,as indeed does Boromir,in protecting Gondor
from the Dark Lord.

This is a well written and thought provoking piece concerning the
roots of the tragedy of Denethor and his youngest son,with also a hint
of the bitter loss he will suffer.

Title: Portrait of a Queen · Author: Aruthir · Races: Men · ID: 338
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-06-19 16:20:57
The fate of the poor women of Middle-earth is ironically well-known:
they are largely forgotten, with a few exceptions. One can argue that
the male characters Tolkien focuses on are also exceptional
individuals (obviously, they are), but even exceptional women - ruling
queens - are apt to be bypassed and inserted into a list, their
motivations reduced to a narrow focus on a husband or lover, and
bitterness can only be taken as a failure in them. Turin's bitterness?
Yes, fine, he was moody and doomed; Beruthiel's or Erendis's or
Ancalime's bitterness - bad news, but not of the sort that gets
elevated to having world-historical importance.

Aruthir capitalizes on this pattern of forgetfulness and reduction
with the tale, told in formulaic snips, of Tar-Telperien, as she grows
from a girl to a woman to a queen, and finally to an old woman bent on
seeing her will done if only to spite those who inspired that first,
childhood observation: "Life, thinks the little girl, is very unfair",
and the silence that results is both mandated by the 'proper' and a
harbor for the sting of injustice. The solitude of a girl growing up
in the censored society of Numenor's court, subject to the constraints
of female nobility, who must represent a very particular ideal that
reduces her to passivity, is well-depicted, and suggests a reason for
the longing to know the one figure who speaks to her sense of herself,
or the self she would want to be.

Well done, and in very few words!

Title: Trading Pledges · Author: Adaneth · Races: Dwarves · ID: 339
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-06-19 17:19:00
Adaneth's Dwarves are always a delight to read. Dwarves are rarely
done justice in any case, and Adaneth chooses a rare setting even
among Dwarves: not the Longbeard clan whose members figure so
centrally in Tolkien's work, but another clan, descended from a
different Dwarven father - the Firebeards.

In all her stories, she works out the culture of her characters, and
her Dwarves especially benefit. Possession, negotiation, freedom,
knowing the value of any act or object and carefully judging their
courses of action in light of these things - these Dwarves give the
lie to the slander of Elves, which Galadriel rebuked when she claimed
that none should ever say in her presence that Dwarves were unskillful
with words. Thekk and Auth in their rushed courtship, nevertheless
open us onto a rich tradition of gift-giving and craft, and suggest
the greater freedom of Dwarf-women, to choose their suitors and to
give gifts in return, rather than always simply receiving them. We get
a sense that Auth has substance, not because she is somebody's
symbolic treasure, nor because she just 'is' such, but because she can
make her own way with her own skill as a craftwoman. The
mother-daughter relationship, too, was very nicely portrayed.

For those who love Dwarves and underwritten corners of Middle-earth,
along with the romantics - give this story a try!

Title: The Making of a Ringbearer I: Adrift · Author: obelia medusa ·
Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 145
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 03:51:18
Ah, the tale of Frodo's younger years in Brandy Hall. Obelia's Frodo
is a good deal younger than he usually is portrayed at the various
ages, far more child-like at twenty-two than I've seen him in other
stories or in my own; but one does see the development of the fine
mind that we admire so in Frodo the Ring-bearer.

An interesting treatment, and a relatively quick read.

Title: The Bridge · Author: Armariel · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 429
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 03:56:24
When it comes to your verse, Armariel, you are indeed a master; and I
miss your contributions so. This look at stolen moments of memory on
the part of both Frodo and Sam, and the admonition not to seek to
dwell too much in the past or in wishes to the point one misses out on
the present. is marvelously done.

Indeed poignant and wondrous. Please return soon so that we can
continue to rejoice in your wondrous images.

Title: Legacy · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 500
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 04:20:56
Spoilers!
Elboron stands with his father and the King upon the walls of Gondor,
listening as the older men discuss his uncle's life and death and
legacy. It is a matter of pride, and a matter of grief and remembrance.

A well-told story of the feelings of Elboron for the uncle he never
knew yet knows well enough through the memories of others. Imagery is
well thought out, reasoning for his decision to change the pattern of
name for his own son is sound; the feelings are honestly portrayed. A
worthy story of honor for those who have ever fallen far from home in
the defense of what they hold dear.

Title: I Give You a Rainbow · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 571
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 04:25:36
Spoilers!
Having lived with and worked with and been friends with individuals
who are blind most of my adult life and beyond, this story of Pippin
trying to explain colors to a child who is congenitally blind is well
and realistically done. The story is well crafted and the emotions
well conveyed, including the unease most of the other children feel
for this particular child. And there is so much to love in this
portrayal of our favorite Took.

Nicely done portrait of Pippin's own younger days.

Title: Alter/native · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 478
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 04:51:00
Spoilers!
An interesting, rather slashy alternative to the "canon" version. Heh!

Title: My Legacy · Author: spookystoy · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 407
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 04:55:26
An excellent confrontation described very economically. I do tend to
empathise with Celebrimbor, btw.

Title: The Ribbon · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 336
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 05:40:10
Spoilers!
A sweet look at Frodo remembering the surgeon who aided him, and a
marvelous tribute to Surgical Steel's original character. Very poignant.

Title: Bitter May · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 265
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 06:14:59
Cuthalion's Lily Proudfoot is one of the original characters I've come
to love--one who was created specifically to love and comfort Frodo
Baggins. Yet she is at the same time a full character in her own
right, determined, compassionate, and worthy of the love she shares
with Frodo.

This is a tragic tale, and one that leaves one wondering just how much
Frodo was aware in May of what Lily was experiencing within the Shire.
Details are deftly woven, and the pathos is well written. Definitely a
wonderful read.

Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-06-20 06:46:15
Some of Linda's best works are in her collections of drabbles, and
that is true here. This look by Frodo at what his relationship with
Smeagol had become is poignant and--unnatural--and yet so very likely.
The question Frodo poses himself strikes at his deepest motivations;
and one does find oneself wondering what there is left within him to
make the journey he contemplates.

Excellent use of mythic types and ideas, and superb imagerly.