Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Clear Conscience (The Clear Shot Remix) · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 680
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-05 15:51:27
Spoilers!
Ah, but what might have happened had Boromir and Faramir, long ago in
their youth, managed to travel north and accidently--and almost
fatally--met Frodo Baggins? How might that have changed the outcome of
the quest?

A remarkable retelling of much of the action of LOTR with that thought
in mind, as a Boromir who long ago swore to protect Frodo as he could
to make up for his youthful mistake faces--and recognizes--the Ring's
determination to take him, and successfully fights it. What a
marvelous, joyful Might-Have-Been! Very well worth the read!

Title: Lost Love · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 271
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-05 15:58:01
What a wonderful pair of drabbles describing the love described so
briefly in Unfinished Tales. It is wonderful to see how the love
between the two of them yet left grief in its wake.

Title: Feet That Wander · Author: Linaewen · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 576
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-08-06 02:29:27
This was a very pleasant surprise. I find Tom so intriguing in the
books and yet very hard to write. You've done an excellent job of
wrangling his voice and speech patterns here. The creepiness of the
Downs was the perfect counterpoint to his cheerfulness. Nicely done.

Title: Night Terrors · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 433
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-08-06 02:44:04
What a horrible premonition to give a father, especially one who has
already suffered so much loss. His reaction is not unlike what mine
might be - anticipate someone else failing in their duty and plan
something unpleasent for them - only to find it is [folly]. The
infant's reaction is wonderfully described and brought a smile to my
face. A great story in only a few words.

Title: Of Old It Was Not Darksome · Author: EdorasLass · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-08-06 02:47:35
Spoilers!
I've never seen this written and I welcomed the topic. The author took
care to reassure us that everyone was identified, properly cared for
and blessed. The discovery of Boromir's cloak and how Gimli reacted to
it was a lovely and touching surprise. Well done.

Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-08-06 02:50:06
Thank you for this story. I think forever separating races who had
once been united against a common foe is cruel. This is much better!

Title: My Shining Stars · Author: Oshun · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 371
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-08-06 02:55:40
Spoilers!
A wonderful story. I've read only part of the Silm - one part being
Elwing's death. It was in fanfiction that I 'learned' Maglor was a
kind captor, but *never* have I conceived what it would be like for
Elrond to reunite with anyone other than Celebrian. I especailly loved
the descriptions of Maglor and Maedhros. Thanks to the author for
sharing this story. It even made me want to go aback and read more of
the Silm.

Title: Birthday Double Drabble · Author: PipMer · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 526
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-06 05:11:58
Two quite contrasting days on which Meriadoc Brandybuck offers his
younger cousin birthday wishes at times the byrthing is not precisely
aware it IS his birthday. Delight and contained hope.

Title: Weathertop · Author: Primsong · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 597
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-06 05:15:32
Spoilers!
Six remarkable poems about the horror that seeks to take the
Ringbearer beneath Weathertop. Dark images with but enough hope to
lighten the edges of awareness--hope that Frodo will be succored in
time to stop the wraithing process.

Most are from Frodo's point of view; and from Sam's, most focusing on
the growing greyness and cold that constitute the world Frodo is being
drawn into.

Very powerfully written.

Title: Second Best · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 384
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-06 05:21:00
Spoilers!
How the ignomity of apparently being overlooked in favor of a stranger
and mere mercenary must have rankled at Denethor! How well this
drabble captures the frustration and growing envy! And I suspect that
Faramir could well have identified with these thoughts!

Title: Symbols of Love · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 130
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-06 07:44:45
Spoilers!
A fine foray into Fourth Age forestry by one of Aragorn's biggest
fans, Larner.

Excellent characterisation of young Eldarion and Elboron, and the
kids' relationship with their fathers. I like how Faramir showed the
high standards, without seeming unreasonably critical, he had for
Elboron, and Elboron's responses, especially the boy's good-natured
acceptance of the chore of skinning the boar.

And of course, Aragorn proves himself to still be the greatest
huntsman and tracker in Middle-earth!

Nicely written and very entertaining.

Title: Lost and Found · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Mid
Third Age · ID: 23
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-06 15:04:16

Another delightful, lovingly crafted Bitty!Faramir-and-Mithrandir
story! There's so much wonderfulness here I hardly know where to begin.

[The top of his head barely reached the wizard's belt, and perched on
his silky hair was a tiny version of a scholar's cap.]

What fabulous imagery! How could Faramir be any more adorable? I can
just imagine Nanny smiling to herself as she stitches that tiny cap.
Or would Denethor have ordered it for him as a surprise gift (SQUEE!)

['We must go through Poetry and Ballistics to get to the lower archive.'

'That sounds like a highly dangerous course, but I have great faith in
my guide', the wizard said as he hurried after him. Faramir walked
quickly, almost at a trot, and at times he bounded ahead then circled
back to wait for the wizard.]

Omigosh, now he's Faramir-as-a-golden-retriever-puppy! You did find a
way to make him even more adorable!

['It smells like words here', Faramir told him, and the darkness of
the archive seemed to lessen at the sound of his voice.

The wizard placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and could feel the
warmth and tremulous spirit, as quick as the flutter of wings, that
were bound in his flesh.]

Ok, all kidding aside, I had to catch my breath here, because this is
just perfect. All Faramir's youthful love of lore, and the brightness
and energy and joy he radiates filling up the room, and Mithrandir's
recognition and affection for him as a kindred soul - oh, my, oh, my.
Another endearing note, which I have shamefully forgotten to mention
each time I have reviewed this story, is Faramir's obvious love for
and pride in his father: ['Master Eradan says that no one but my
father reads the scrolls in the lower archive. He says that my father
would make a fine loremaster.' Even in the gloomy stairwell, the grey
eyes shone in the boy's upturned face.] This loving relationship
between Faramir and Denethor is a recurring theme in Branwyn's works,
and one which I always find particularly heartwarming.

It's these tiny, perfect gems of stories, written by masterful authors
like Branwyn, that continually renew my faith in our fandom.

Title: Name Calling: Group Identity and the Other among First Age
Elves · Author: Angelica · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 322
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-08-06 17:31:25
As a student of sociolinguistics which studies how language informs
and is informed by the society or culture in which it finds itself and
deals specifically with the concepts of Self and Other, I found this
essay a fascinating look at the nature of naming among the various
elvish clans. It can be somewhat confusing for the first-time reader
of ["Eldar and Quendi"] to keep all these terms for elves in mind.
Angelica gives a very concise explanation of the history of the
various naming habits of the various elvish clans and helps to clear
up some of the linguistic confusion that is typical when reading any
of Tolkien's linguistic treatises.

I have, in my own tales, explored the social and linguistic
implications of how the various elvish groups see themselves once the
War of Wrath ends and those elves of Beleriand, both Noldorin Exiles
and Sindar, return to Aman. The conflicts that are created between the
Amaneldi or "Those who never Rebelled" and the Heceldi or "Those who
were Forsaken" form the basis of many of my stories that take place in
Aman during the Second Age. This essay, for me, is a vindication of my
own ideas about this very subject. I'm grateful for Angelica for
providing us with such a useful resource.

One term used by the Sindar for the Noldor that is not mention in this
essay but I think gives an indication of how the Sindar first saw the
Noldor is "Lachenn/Lechenn" which comes from the Sindarin "lach-hend",
literally "flame-eyed". I suspect that this may be a reference to the
light of the Two Trees that still shone from the eyes of the Noldor as
they first stepped upon the shores of Beleriand, though perhaps the
fiery nature of some of the Noldor, especially the sons of Feanor, had
something to do with it as well. Clearly it is meant to be pejorative
and was probably not used anywhere outside Doriath, or if it was, it
was not a term used in polite elvish society. It is also interesting
to note that the word "Sindar" meaning "Grey-elves" is itself a Quenya
word; those whom we know as the Sindar simply called themselves
"Edhil" or "Elves".

Title: Aulë the Smith · Author: Oshun · Genres: Non-Fiction: Character
Studies · ID: 530
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-08-06 18:13:49
Aule is quite an interesting character and I've always found him
fascinating, though not necessarily for the same reasons Oshun does.
He is described, along with Ulmo, as the chief scientist among the
Valar and certainly he is the ultimate Craftsman. I think Aule is
Tolkien's apologia for what a scientist should be, namely, someone who
seeks to ["build, improve and teach"]. I like Oshun's way of ferreting
out the slightest details and implications of character from what
little is said and not said in Tolkien's writings, especially the
similarities (and more importantly, the differences) between Aule and
Melkor. One aspect of Aule's history that always intrigued me is how
two of his own Maiar fell to Shadow and followed Melkor into the Void.
I often wondered how that made him feel among the other Valar and if
any of them took him to task over it. Such betrayal on the part of two
of his own must have been devastating and only his faith and trust in
Eru, I think, must have kept him from despair.

Title: Name Calling: Group Identity and the Other among First Age
Elves · Author: Angelica · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 322
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-08-06 19:24:28
Many thanks to Angelica for this easy to read and very useful essay.
"Name Calling" is a commentary on Tolkien's essay "Quendi and Eldar"
from the History of Middle Earth. Angelica's piece is an excellent
resource for Third and Fourth Age fan fiction readers and writers, who
need clarity on all those First Age elven groups and who might not
have the expertise or more than a passing interest in Tolkien's languages.

Even though I've been through the Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and
Children of Hurin a number of times, I still get confused on where the
Avari fit in, the distinction between the Sindar and the Teleri, and
many other characteristics of the individual elven clans. Angelica's
piece is an ideal breakdown of each group in a clear and painless
fashion, including explanations of the linguistic differences that
evolved among them. I highly recommend it.

Title: Legacy · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 500
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-06 20:44:25
Spoilers!
This story is appropriate for Veteran's Day, which I Think is our
American friends' equivalent of our "Rememberance Sunday which falls
on the Sunday in November, closest to the 11th. I wonder if they had a
similiar day in Middle -earth to remember all those who fell fighting
against Sauron?
I like the idea that Aragorn and Faramir remember Boromir in late
February.
It must have been far from easy for Elboron growning up hearing tales
of his heroic father and uncle,but he seems to be a well balanced and
contented man who greatly respects the uncle he never knew ,but has
heard so much about.

I admit the rather irreverent thought came to me to wonder if Eboron
was ever told about Boromir's attempt to takre the Ring from Frodo and
that his uncle,though brave and loyal to Gondor,was not perfect,but a
flawed human being.

Not surspringly, Elboron wonders what it must have been like to grow
up in the dar days that his father and uncle lived though,when no one
knew if they would see another tomorrow.Elboron has seen battle, but
nothing like that his father and uncle endured.
I especially liked the last line where Elboron looks forward to the
birth of his own child. Boromir may be dead but his memory will live
on in the thoughts of his kinsfolk.

Title: The Blessing of the Waters · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 61
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-06 21:00:54
Spoilers!
As Tolkien never shows us Elrond and Celebrian together, we tend to
only think of the unfortunate Elf as as the tormented victim of Orcs
who had to sail to Valinor to seek healing for the dreadful torment
she suffered.As Elrond, does not accompany his wife,some readers might
wonder whether they were a happy couple or not?

This haunting and beautifully written ficlet quickly dispels any
notions of that nature as we see Elrond and Celebrian as a happy and
loving couple who enjoy swimming in the Bruinen frolicking as happily
as children or even dolphins! It is so hard to imagine this couple so
happy, yet Tolkien makes it clear that Elves have a capacity for joy
and play as well as sorrow.

In this story Celebrian is about to leave on her ill fated journey to
visit her parents in the Golden Wood and both she and Elrond
experience a sudden flash of foreboding. We want to cry out"Don't
go!", but of course we can not.

It is so dreadully sad that this famous couple will never again be
happy together like this,for even when they are reunited in
Valinor,Elrond wll have to tell his wife that Arwen is not coming.

Looking back on that last happy day,Elrond shows that he has the
strength to cherish his memories rather than be pained by them,a
strength which must surely help him to keep cherishing hope through
the dark times to come.

Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 360
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2008-08-06 21:51:10
That was very charming. I was greatly amused by your description of
Faramir's inebriety, especially when he noticed it was the White Tree
he was leaning against. His enthusiasm about his new baby is just what
I remember from my own first few days as a mother. Then the story
turns to more serious matters, and the reference to Boromir is
touching and pitched just right. Lovely Story!

Title: Trading Pledges · Author: Adaneth · Races: Dwarves · ID: 339
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-06 21:54:45
Oh. Oh. Oh. What a lush and lovely piece of writing!

The bare-bones of the tale are universal and familiar: before going
off to war, a young man wishes to secure a pledge or marriage; a young
woman is torn between fear and desire. What makes this story unique
are the seamless insertions of dwarven culture and tradition, history
and mythology and craft, and the utter and absolute sensuousness of
the manner in which the dwarves express their affection one for the
other. Rich and vivid while at the same time spellbinding and erotic -
an exquisitely memorable tale.



Title: Old Man Willow · Author: Nath · Races: Other Beings · ID: 314
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-06 21:55:43
Utterly, absolutely unique; vividly written and stunning in its
simplicity and power. I've read any number of "Such-and-Such Character
Takes the Ring" stories (Galadriel, Legolas, The River Anduin) but
never anything like this - it's like the power of nature gone horribly
awry. A great job!

Title: The North Delving Incident · Author: Dana · Genres: Drama · ID: 26
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-06 21:57:14
[ ...Men so often don't take the hobbits with as much seriousness as
they ought to.]

And so I must stand, and apologize profusely, for I'm one of those Men
(Women) who still seem to think it was all Rohirrim and Rangers and a
Wizard, maybe an elf or two, who did it all. And completely forgetting
that there was another whole war going on, more savage, more
long-lasting, more terrifying and widespread. And I always forget,
until I'm reminded by powerful writers like you and RubyNye, that the
folk of the Shire were no less fierce in defense of their homeland
than any of the taller, flashier races.

The characterizations here are particularly vivid and heartwrenching:
we can feel Pippin's self-recrimination, Citrine's desperation fanning
the flames of rebellion, Merry's tenderness and relief in his rescue
of Pippin, and his pride at the courageous actions of the North
Delving community.

Title: Dangerous Folk · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Adventure · ID: 546
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-06 21:59:25
A most ingenious story! I was a bit startled at the mention of
open-pit mining and toxic chemical wastes, but after my initial shock
I was impressed at how well these items were integrated into the
story, giving Gimil a quite well-deserved opportunity to shine. The
characterizations here are excellent, and the depictions of various
unexpected combinations of Big and Little folk working together are
quite ingenious, as well as soul-satisyingly feasible. I'd never
encountered some of the crises and solutions here in any other Tolkien
fanfic, so many, many bonus points for originality! Definitely a
memorable tale.

Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-06 23:59:43
*Fans self* One of the best things about this fandom-Nekkid!Boromir.
Not to mention Nekkid!Faramir, Nekkid!Eomer, Nekkid!Imrahil...Very
nice, sensual descriptions. Oh, to be one of those drops of water,
meandering around the scars...

Title: The Keys of the Realm · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 477
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-07 03:02:56
Spoilers!
Hurin of the Keys is a character rarely given much attention by
Tolkien fanfiction writers. In this story, he shines as the central
character in this intricately woven tapestry of events between the
Battle of the Pelennor and Aragorn's coronation.

Written by Larner, Hurin is the nephew of Denethor, and an
intelligent, perceptive man. He also is an amputee who still manages
to fight for his land.

Through Hurin, Larner gives a compelling insider's view of the
excitement and great changes sweeping through Minas Tirith and Gondor
itself (and eventually the rest of Middle-earth, by implication) in
the last days of the War of the King and the beginning of Elessar's
reign. Good characterisation of Aragorn and Faramir - I liked
Faramir's observations about the fierce courage and integrity, and
potential power, long overlooked, of the hobbits.

Title: Refuge · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 423
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-07 05:10:36
When Maglor took Elros and Elrond as his own fosterlings, it is
doubtful that, at least at first, they appreciated that he was one of
the party that had entered their home by force, driven their mother
away, and taken part in slaying all others they found. Yet, finding
these twin boys he knew to be Earendil and Elwing's sons, and that
their mother bore away from Middle Earth one of the jewels he'd sworn
to retrieve however he could, yet Maglor perhaps redeemed himself in
part by caring for these two and seeing them mostly raised.

An emotional look at the taking of the children out of the house of
death from Elrond's own perspective. The responses of both boys is
realistically portrayed, and the reactions afterwards are poignant. A
well done ficlet.