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Title: A Meeting in the Tower Hills · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 374
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-22 02:32:31
Hopeful, joyful, uplifting, this drabble never fails to leave me
smiling! Part of it is that it is such a wonderful look at the
Numenoreans while they are still firmly grounded in the glory of
Elros' line, before their waning and descent. Here they retain an
inherent respect and consideration of those "left behind", vs. their
later goals of subjugation and exploitation.

But even beyond Tolkien's world, it is an excellent exploration of
humanity's ability to connect across what would seem great barriers
(language, technological advancement, a "higher" vs. "lower" race,
etc.). Two disparate people reach across the divide using what common
experience and understanding they possess, and a common desire to
communicate, but especially I adore that they incorporate so much
*humor* - truly a universal language. The entire scene that Imhiriel
paints is just lovely.

The PoV is very well done; the reader can really feel the uncertainty
and fear of the speaker. (I love the quiet "encouragement" he needs to
actually step forward.) The author makes good use of structure and
pacing to bring the underlying emotions across and tell the story. It
touches on a corner of Tolkien's world that a fanfic seldom sees, and
definitely enriches the original work.

Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-22 03:18:15
Spoilers!
Just looking at the surface layer of this drabble, it's a truly
delightful and awesome scene. Aragorn is still in all his Numenorean
Ranger glory, even at 200 years. (Rain? Welcome to Ranger weather!
Long hike, uphill? As easy as a stroll to the council chamber! Hee.)
The "youngsters" have no doubt had plenty of martial training and
physical honing over their lives, yet it is evident that it takes more
than that to overcome the resilience bought at great price: decades of
wandering and soldiering. (Although, perhaps, one suspects that
Elven-blooded Eldarion might be hanging back a bit to keep his friend
Barahir company...)

There's more under the surface that really appeals to me, though.
There's the fact that Aragorn has not only kept his physique and
outdoor abilities, but that he evidently practices them with some
regularity. (["His knapsack held the means for celebration and he knew
where to enjoy them."]) Certainly, after so long on his own, in the
wild, Aragorn would feel an even greater need to periodically escape
the confines of Minas Tirith than the typical noble. Added to this is
the good humor and obvious respect that Aragorn's companions hold for
their King.

It's all wrapped up beautifully through Tanaqui's flowing, charming
descriptions and interactions, and perfect timing. This drabble never
fails to make me grin.

Title: Silver Blossoms Blown · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 646
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 03:58:15
Spoilers!
I really like the way this ficlet leads up from the sense of
wonderment, new life under heaven, and the fragile Elves' adoration of
Varda, to Varda's sorrowing acknowledgment of innocence lost as the
darkness looms, a few thousand years or so later.

Title: Sing My Worth Immortal · Author: Perelleth · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 168
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 04:06:53
Spoilers!
A clever and intricate tale, or rather tales within a tale, about the
true origins of beer, discussed by Galadriel, Celeborn and a dwarf
guest, with additional appearances by Celebrian and the twins and
Glorfindel. I loved the air of sophisticated amusement, and the
mystery over what exactly was the true origin of beer. Excellent
cross-cultural juxtaposition, with the dwarf sticking up for his
people's traditions but perhaps a little bit intimidated by Galadriel.
And above all, I love the use of Galadriel as a lady who is not only a
powerful ruler, but a very ancient presence, who remembers things from
time before most recorded time.



Title: A Moment in the Morning in Bree · Author: Budgielover · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 731
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 04:30:18
Spoilers!
A story that is very credible and very funny in a low-key way. Poor
tired Strider is trying to shave, in a room in Bree, surrounded by the
four hobbits whose trust he wants to gain, particularly Frodo; and the
hobbits in question are transfixed by the unusual (to them) sight of a
Man shaving his beard. Poor Strider keeps nicking himself as the
hobbits pepper him with questions, and seeing him keep his patience
while wondering how he is going to survive both the dangerous journey
ahead and the hobbits' innocent curiosity is great fun. This story
definitely shows some of the differences between the hobbit and
mannish cultures; and Pippin's questions alone keep the reader amused.

Title: Chasing Blackie · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 655
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:39:29
Spoilers!
This story manages to capture one of the most endearing and
exasperating qualities of youth: imagination. Pippin's imagination
seems to have literally run away from him this time, and of course, he
followed. His firm belief in his imaginary cat is juxtaposed nicely by
poor Eglantine, who humors him by listening but seems both amused and
bewildered by the story. Lovely character work and a great nostalgia
trip to my own childhood.

Title: A Place for Gandalf · Author: Dreamflower · Times: Mid Third
Age: Eriador · ID: 391
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:40:35
As much as this story concerned itself with making a place for
Gandalf, it seemed to be equally concerned with how Bilbo made a place
for Frodo. The inner politics of the Shire really came to life, and
they did so in a way that was shrewd, clever, and entirely
hobbit-like. Bilbo was definitely in his element, and the cleverness
that he'd shown by the end of his journey with the dwarves cropped up
again here in dealing with less than appreciated relatives. But he
wasn't the only clever hobbit around, and I very much appreciated
Saradoc's involvement. All in all, a wonderfully rich story boasting
an ensemble cast in which everyone gets to contribute.

Title: Cuts Gone Wrong · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 156
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:41:49
Spoilers!
Whenever Dwimordene gets her hands on the Rangers, their world
absolutely shines. Well, it does once you wipe off all the mud and
give them a good scrubbing down. Then it sparkles, too. And this story
is no exception. There's a gritty loneliness that infuses these tales,
and even though this particular story demonstrates how the Rangers
managed to communicate across the Wilds, that loneliness can still be
felt. And so can the head games that such a life gives rise to. Pelhar
is an amazing character, brilliantly drawn and wonderfully nuanced.
When Aragorn first shows up, one gets the feel that Pelhar has dealt
with this kind of thing often, a fact later substantiated with the
mention of his own son. His hidden amusement with the situation is
contagious, and I love the bits of humor that pop up, such as waiting
until Aragorn has eaten before springing the important questions on
him. His response to Aragorn's question about dealing with the
ignorant Bree folk was a nostalgic gem that timed itself perfectly
with Pelhar's admission of a tree's involvement. Fantastic story that
delves into the Ranger mindset and manages to give the rest of us a
glimpse into an intriguing community.

Title: If You Could See What I Hear · Author: Cathleen · Times: Mid
Third Age: Eriador · ID: 614
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:42:49
Spoilers!
The Lord of the Rings, for all its mythical origins, feels more like a
history that has moved into the realm of legend. With a few
exceptions, there's very little of a mystical fantasy feel. This story
does the opposite. It takes the legend, and moves it into the realm of
the myth. Pippin's meeting with the Faerie folk is like a waking
dream, and that feeling persists throughout the story and even grows
when Paladin joins in. I think this tone gets its start in the very
childlike belief that Tulip has her own opinions of their wandering
adventure and offers both insight and protests from time to time.
Having anchored the readers with a child's imagination, Cathleen then
goes on to blow readers away with an fantastical and mystical journey
into another world. It's a brilliant marriage of Tolkien legend and
Faerie myth.

Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:44:31
Spoilers!
Dwimordene notes in the summary that meddling in the affairs of
wizards can be perilous, but she shows through this story that the
same might be said of meddling in the affairs of Rangers. I love this
look at a younger Halbarad, who clearly isn't afraid to take matters
into his own hands. But really, the mood of the entire piece is set by
the Gandalf. The piece starts off with an almost wry tone in the
narrative, which seems to culminate in the one line paragraph
describing the contents of Gandalf's room: [There was a Ranger in it.]
Love the humor. After this, the story takes on a more serious tone as
Gandalf probes Halbarad for both his purpose and his resolve. And
having assured himself of both, it's all wizard in the end, complete
with words that both comfort and disturb. I love the idea of wizard
sense telling Gandalf what is necessary but not always what is
pleasant or desired. That single notion explains much of what happened
in canon, from Gandalf's choice of Ring-bearer to his own sacrifice.
Brilliant examination of two great characters as only Dwimordene can
do, and additional kudos are awarded for giving this piece such
far-reaching canon impacts.

Title: Star of Hope · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 34
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:46:25
Spoilers!
In my opinion, fanfiction writers don't pay enough attention to
Gilraen, so it's always a treat to find stories like this. I love the
little hints we get of the relationship between Arathorn and Gilraen.
It feels very distant at times, but at other times, it's warm and
tender. Getting both moods to work is quite the trick, but Linda seems
more than up to it. By the end of the story, I was upset that Arathorn
died before this almost love really had a chance to develop. The seeds
of a great romance were all present and accounted for. It seems I'll
have to be content with seeing Gilraen turn her attention toward
motherhood and Aragorn, and there are just enough hints about that
aspect of the story to both satisfy and intrigue. Well done!

Title: Comfort and Joy · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 656
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:47:17
Spoilers!
As an occasional victim of insomnia, I've had nights like this. Well,
I don't think I ever stuck my feet into an open flame, but I can
certainly sympathize with poor Pippin. After a while, you become so
wound up that you forget that your roommates might not appreciate late
night escapades. And sometimes their sleep-deprived attempts to be
helpful just get you more wound up, making sleep feel even further
away. The emotions and tone throughout this story this were perfect! I
could relate to Pippin, and I could also relate to Frodo and Merry.
Poor hobbits, all around!

Title: Pippin and Tulip's Excellent Adventure · Author: Cathleen ·
Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador · ID: 595
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-22 04:47:42
Spoilers!
Growing up, I had (and still have) a toy dog that went on many
adventures. Perhaps not as many as Tulip enjoyed, but this story
definitely brought back fond memories. Great nostalgic trip! And I
love the way that this knitted pig can speak to Pippin. And in
Pippin's mind, it's as real as anything else. It's a very childlike
trait that requires a wealth of imagination, but if anyone could
possess that, it would be Pippin. Heartwarming story!

Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-22 05:25:29
Spoilers!
The ending of this drabble always makes me want to tip back my head
and let out a cackling, "Bwahahaha!" But more on that later...

First, I love the title, which is a great example of how to enhance a
drabble with a well-chosen "pseudo-intro". It is lifted directly out
of the appropriate passage in the LotR Appendices, and for me
immediately called to mind all the background information that sets up
this scenario. Imhiriel follows up on this with some brief but
excellently descriptive scene-setting, until I can picture it all very
clearly.

Then, I love the characterization of the Prince of Dol Amroth and his
men, seen through the filter of the Corsair captain. It is evident
that the Prince and crew are brave and clever, tossing out a challenge
and then beating the Captain and his soldiers at their own game. I
found it most enjoyable to "watch", via the author's superb pacing,
how Umbarian arrogance gets turned on its head.

But the finale is my favorite section. In one line, this awesome image
is conjured, of Aragorn in all his Numenorean might. It is as if he
condenses into solidity right out of the fire-lit smoke, like some
avenging warrior angel. It is powerful, fanciful and dramatic, and I
personally feel a mix of desperation, determination and exasperation
("This is really *not* turning out to be a good day.") pouring off the
Captain of the Haven. And we all know how it ends... Wonderful!

Title: A Moment in the Morning in Bree · Author: Budgielover · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 731
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-22 05:53:34
Spoilers!
A truly delightful story in which the Hobbits are fascinated by
Aragorn shaving much to the poor man's discomfort. THe Hobbits have no
experience of shaving so their comments are hilarious,though not much
fun for Aragorn who keeps cutting himself. A nice glimpse of different
cultures getting to know one another.

Title: My Shining Stars · Author: Oshun · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 371
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 06:01:12
Spoilers!
An interesting meditation from Elrond, as he journeys into the West,
about the parental influences in his life. I have always been
fascinated by the notion that Elrond and Elros were raised at least
for some years by the very Kinslayers who destroyed their childhood
home and harried their mother from Middle-earth. Given the greatness
achieved by the pair, their childhood bonds with Maglor and possibly
Maedhros as well, must have been significant; Elrond grows up to be
one of the wisest and most compassionate Elves in history, Elros
founds a mighty kingdom of Men.

Oshun explores the past of Elrond, with the view that it was Maedhros
and Maglor who were more consistent parents to the sons of Earendil
than the itinerant Star-bearer and his lady; through the lens of
Elrond's own occasionally ironic reminiscence. The story works quite
well as a look into one of the oddest, and most interesting familial
relationships in several Ages.

Title: Comfort · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: House of Elrond · ID: 161
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 06:07:58
Spoilers!
A well-written vignette that really brings home to the reader the
stresses and sorrows of the Peredhil's relationship with the northern
Dunedain. To befriend each Chieftain, and other Rangers, only to
witness their often violent deaths year after year and generation
after generation, wearies the sons of Elrond. That they continued to
befriend the embattled mortals, and help them when they could, and not
withhold their friendship, speaks volumes for the Peredhil's strength
and compassion.

Title: Free To Live · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 701
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 07:02:38
Spoilers!
A well-written story of the transition in Thranduil's heart and realm,
as Sauron's evil passes from Middle-earth. The momentuous and almost
unbelievable weight of the change is powerfully conveyed here.

Title: Long Memories · Author: Bodkin · Times: Second and Early Third
Age · ID: 310
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 07:06:26
Spoilers!
An intriguing exploration into the prejudices of the Elves. Bodkin
conveys the Elves' deep-seated annoyances with other factions, some
tensions and feuds going back thousands of years, perhaps farther in
the anger between the Elves who returned to Valinor and those who
originally stayed in Middle-earth long before the creation of the
Silmarils. Bodkin brings these simmering emotions to the forefront in
this story, which focuses on one Noldo original character, Taryatur,
who did not follow Feanor into doom in Middle-earth, but who has come
to fight Morgoth under the Valar's command, and his relationship with
two particular Elves - Celebrimbor and Oropher.

Bodkin skillfully portrays Taryatur's discomfiture with Celebrimbor,
the only sane survivor of the House of Feanor, a Kin-slayer and yet a
highly ranked Noldo, whose kinswoman Taryatur desires to marry; and
his rising anger towards Oropher, the lord of the Wood-elves. Taryatur
is condescending at best, and Oropher refuses to accomodate the
Noldo's behavior, responding with pride and anger. Depending on what
perspective the reader has, Oropher comes across as a justifiably
prickly and resourceful warrior meeting the pettiness of a pampered
Noldo with his own macho swagger, or a hard-headed proviincial lacking
respect for someone who has crossed oceans and left a comfortable life
to come succor him and his people, among others. Personally, I felt
that both Taryatur and Oropher behave like horses' rears, and badly
need to wrestle, spar, or go on an adventure where terrible danger
bonds them together...

The last part, where, millenia later in peaceful Valinor, Taryatur is
horrified at his daughter's interest in Legolas because of his own
memories of Legolas' grandsire and his own remembered horror at his
deeds in the war against Morgoth, is rather funny and annoying all at
once. It is heartening to see that Taryatur's wife does not share his
prejudices.



Title: The Dance · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Romance: Elven
Lands · ID: 128
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 07:09:03
Spoilers!
A lovely and convincing start to the epic romance of Nerdanel and
Feanor. Dawn Felagund presents the fabled pair as two social misfits,
respecting and liking each other, and that fondness deepening during a
ball to which Feanor has asked young Nerdanel. Feanor's impulsive and
self-willed nature is obvious here; he wants Nerdanel as his partner
rather than the young and socially suitable lord's daughter chosen for
him, despite Nerdanel's nervousness at the flouting of social convention.

A wonderful ending, as Nerdanel teaches the King's heir how to dance,
and Feanor reveals that he is smitten with Nerdanel. It's almost
painful to see how cute and natural they are with each other, and how
their love is growing...

Title: Early Winter at Himring Hill · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance:
Elven Lands · ID: 79
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-22 07:22:20
Spoilers!
I have never followed the fanon tradition of sexual intimacy between
Fingon and Maedhros, but I did enjoy this vignette. The descriptions
are colorful and fresh, and Fingon is just so full of Elven
joie-de-vivre, that I found it irresistible. The slash is implied
rather than spelled out; and the relationship is happily angst-free
and natural in this story.

Title: Arwen · Author: Neoinean · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 359
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-22 08:59:23
Spoilers!
A complex and stunning work from Arwen's point of view as she examines
the wonder of the life she's bound herself to, accepting Aragorn as
her husband. Their days may be bounded by schedules and duties; but
their nights as they lie together in their marriage bed are times to
explore one another and themselves, to share the joys and the griefs,
the best and worst experiences in their lives, their hopes and their
fears.

I've often believed that Elrond and the rest of Arwen's family prayed
that Aragorn's example would help her to learn fully as a mortal,
including appreciating the need to let go when life was over. Neoinien
shows how it was this hope could be realized, as she appreciates the
great beauty that lies within mortality.

A marvelous tale that deserves to be savored like the best chocolates
or the finest wines.

Title: Utúlie'n Aurë · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 163
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-22 09:08:57
Spoilers!
"The morning has come!" The last time Glorfindel had heard that cry
had been at the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. But today--today the
victory was won, and a new age has come! To cry those words in
thanksgiving once more, but not prematurely this time, had to be such
a great blessing!

Well written with deep emotion. A marvelous piece.

Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-22 09:20:38
Ah, this was written so similarly to the way I've imagined it, but
with a delightful economy of words. Once they walked there together;
now they leave it together! Yes, this is so right!

Title: The Legend of the Grey Riders · Author: Jay of Lasgalen ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 176
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-22 09:26:25
Spoilers!
There in Edoras with their sister and her husband, Elrond's sons find
themselves recognizing the tale being told of two strangers who came
to the succor of the Rohirrim when all seemed lost, then disappeared
as mysteriously as they'd come. Elladan and Elrohir have a slightly
different memory of that particular battle....

A lovely, sharp and delightful humor to the tale as the twins decide
perhaps they'd best not disabuse their hosts of some details in the
tale as told.