Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Primum Non Nocere (First, Do No Harm) · Author: febobe ·
Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 628
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-09-07 02:06:43
Aiyeee! What a great story!

First of all, Sam's voice is just perfect. In some stories I've read
his dialect is overdone, too much of aw-shucks hokiness, but this
voice is just perfectly balanced between what Sam says, and how he
says it. There's so much simple hobbity wisdom, as well as his own
honesty and forthrightness and always, always his constant devotion to
Frodo. I would highlight some of my favorite bits but honestly, there
are so many; every bit of Sam's speech is just spot on perfect.

So let me move on to the small details that make this story so
wondrously vivid: Faramir moving poor sick Frodo to the [big bedroom
that was his nursery when he was a boy (Mr. Frodo gets awful tired out
with Big Folk-sized everything, though Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin are so
fair pleased with their new-grown height that they prefer it)]; the
good folk of the Steward's household gawking at the White Lady; Frodo
and Sam thinking of Eowyn, for all that she was the Wraithsbane,
because she was a woman [all the more magic to us, for she was somehow
more like us in some way]. Most marvelous of all, because I'm such a
sucker for a great description: ["she smells of. . .of new-mown hay,
not like some lady of the court at all. Fresh grass and sweet clover
and hops, and a hint of carrots and apples and sugar. Outdoors. Her
hands look fine and clean, though, but not hands that haven't never
known a day's work"] Perfect. PERFECT!

And she how cares for Frodo, in a way no one else could:
[ Her approach I find practical, for she has done nothing more than to
hold me in warm quilts, rocking me at night to help me sleep without
nightmares, and to feed me herself, whispering to me of night after
night when she wept into her pillow, despairing and not wanting to
eat, for it would only keep her alive longer, prolonging her torment. . .]

Well, here I go again, quoting practically the whole story back at
you. But this Eowyn is so strong and nurturing (as, of course, she had
to have been, all those years); finally finding, in her sharing with
Frodo the painful details of their horrific experience, the way to
transition from warrior woman to a woman whose fondest wish, now, is
to go build a healing garden in a torn land.



Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-09-07 02:07:05
[It was no longer something so small, that the sun could shine,
offering light and warmth after a long, dark night.]

A deceptively simple but ultimately very uplifting story. It's quite
fitting that Faramir and Frodo, the two who have looked long and
deeply in darkness and despair, should find comfort in warmth,
sunlight, the cleansing breeze; harbingers of hope for the future.

Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 02:08:30
Spoilers!
She didn't mind the fact she would die--it was the loneliness and loss
she knew, with her love gone ahead of her and no end to it that she
could see that tore at her heart.

Into this grief steps the one Elf who might truly understand the true
nature of isolation, and he does his best to--ease her way.

Delicately told, yet in its way shocking, Most thought-provoking!

Title: A Moment in the Morning in Bree · Author: Budgielover · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 731
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:55:27
Spoilers!
The last line of this story really did me. It reminded me of when
Gandalf took Pippin to Minas Tirith and became exasperated with the
number of questions that Pippin managed to put forth. And of course
the shrewd Ranger would be clever enough to recognize the danger signs
early on. Another part that I really liked was Merry's surprised
["Bree?"] in response to Aragorn's talk of civilized people. Little
moments like that kept the story fun, while the culture clash itself
was highly enjoyable.

Title: Sing My Worth Immortal · Author: Perelleth · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 168
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:56:18
Spoilers!
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, but I wonder if
accident isn't equally involved. This story seems to think so, and
like Elladan, I'm not sure the world could handle the truth about
wine. But it was nice to see a mischievous side to Galadriel, who
seems to know just what boundaries to push and just how much she can
get away with.

Title: Dorwinion Wine · Author: Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 663
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:57:13
Spoilers!
Very fun little story! A young Bilbo is vividly portrayed, as is the
poor elf that Bilbo besets. Sounds like someone had a bit too much to
drink the night before. So that's the explanation for
["tril-lil-lil-lolly"]! I might have guessed. I also love the idea
that Bilbo has become immune to withering glares thanks to a long
association with Gandalf. That just made my day. But the best part of
this story is the fact that just spending a moment (albeit a
bewildered moment) in Bilbo's company is enough to brighten the elf's
day. Hobbits seem to have that effect on people.

Title: Yule Tails · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 303
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:57:56
Spoilers!
What a unique and creative little story! I love the way that the theme
of horses and/or ponies is woven to create a connection between
Faramir and Pippin. It's a brilliant way of bringing out similarities
that the two share, and it's an equally brilliant way of showcasing
all the differences between them. The militaristic culture of Gondor
comes through while the Shire emphasizes a more pastoral life. The
final scene with two of them sitting down beside the horse that saved
them both is wonderfully heartwarming. A very fitting Yule tale!

Title: Feet That Wander · Author: Linaewen · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 576
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:58:44
Spoilers!
I have to admit that I guessed the traveler's identity before he
revealed it himself, but even without the benefit of surprise, I
thoroughly enjoyed this story. People who can write Tom Bombadil
always amaze me. He's such a unique character, and it feels as though
he can only truly be written if one takes several steps back from him.
Somehow, Linaewen does this and still manages to keep us firmly in his
POV. And what an intriguing perspective he has! Bombadil's outlook on
life may seem simple, but it's within this simplicity that power lies.
He knows exactly who he is, and he knows exactly where his boundaries
are. And within them, he is the master. And through knowing what goes
on beyond his borders, he continues to be the master of what lies within.

As for this story's other participant, I've often wondered just where
his travels may have taken him before he finally found his way into
Rivendell. And just how far astray he may have wandered, too. This is
a nice little glimpse into his long journey, and a very plausible
glimpse, too.

Title: Silver Blossoms Blown · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 646
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:59:23
Spoilers!
I love the way this story seems to capture the other-worldliness of
the Valar. Varda's thoughts, particularly in the first part of this
story, seem to be immersed in song, which is very appropriate
considering who she is. There's a lovely ethereal quality to all of
this, and I like how Varda first perceives the elves. It ties in
nicely with the sobering closing lines of this little ficlet, in which
the children are children no more. Varda's thoughts on that seem very
reflective of the rest of the Valar, and this perception of the elves
explains a lot as the First Age really gets underway.

Title: On Far Fields · Author: Dwimordene · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 106
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-07 02:59:59
Spoilers!
This is one of my favorite Dwimordene stories, which is saying
something considering the fact that I love all of Dwimordene's
stories. But this one, in particular, always seems to get to me. I
think a part of it is the way that she manages to create a rich,
foreign culture with its own priorities and values that never once
feels inferior to the Gondor culture that infuses the POV. Alien,
perhaps, and Imrahil does think that their code of honor might be a
bit harsh, but at the same time, there's also a sense of respect for
these men. I think a large part of that might come from Imrahil's
respect for Andrahar, who is brilliantly depicted here. I love how
conflicting obligations come to play on him. The full scope of these
obligations is revealed by the end of the story, but the tension they
create is present throughout.

But perhaps my favorite moment in this story is the song. It's a
haunting, keening song that certainly doesn't come from Gondor, and
the foreign feeling heightens the sense of loss and mourning that the
song conveys. I love the cries raised to various family members and
how that hearkens back to the fallen warrior that Samwise sees in
Ithilien. These men aren't just faceless enemies drummed up by Sauron.
They have honor and families and homes to defend. Brilliant story that
gives the Battle of the Pelennor some much needed perspective.

Title: This crown of stars · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 586
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-09-07 04:57:48
A touching drabble .One can imagine that Aragorn must sometimes have
felt like this.The reader is lucky to know more than poor Strider!

Title: One Equal Temper of Heroic Hearts · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres:
Romance: Gondor · ID: 334
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-09-07 05:04:59
Spoilers!
I don't usually enjoy stories with erotic content, but this one was
tasteful and beautifully written.What I liked most was that the reason
nature instilled passionate feelings is touched upon, a truth sadly
lacking in most romantic/erotic stories, to enable the human race to
continue.I'm sure Tolkien as a devout Catholic would have been
pleased.I also liked the reference to Aragorn missing the sadly now
deceased Faramir.
A beautifully written glimpse of the sensual side of Aragorn and
Arwen's marriage and the joys and problems of not ageing like ordinary
mortals.

Title: To Sleep, Perchance to Dream · Author: Ariel/Auntie
Meesh/Budgielover/Cathleen/Dreamflower/Gryffinjack/kellyfrankenfield/Lindelea/Pearl
Took/Rosie Took/SlightlyTookish CoAuthors · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 496
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 05:16:21
Spoilers!
Ah--hurt/comfort! The Piphealer's Group's RoundRobin entry is a lovely
one.

All four Hobbits are having problems with nightmares disturbing their
sleep, and for young Pippin it's proving particularly debilitating.
When Targon suggests he try a marvelous sleeping powder shared with
him by Guardsman Eldil, at last he decides to chance it, mixing a good
handful into a glass of brandy. But when it proves to be Haradric
poppy it would appear his life is at risk.

Plots against the Crown of Gondor as well as against the still-fragile
peace being worked out between the western lands and the king of Far
Harad have been set in motion, and it appears that the four Halflings
are caught in the eye of the storm.

For a tale with so many authors, it is delightfully cohesive, and
filled with plots and counterplots as well as obscure medical
procedures....

A must-read.

Title: Of Old It Was Not Darksome · Author: EdorasLass · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 05:26:23
Spoilers!
Perhaps in past times it was not particularly darksome, but now it has
become a focus for the grief of Dwarves in general, as Gimli brings a
number of his folk to Moria to lay their fallen comrades properly to rest.

But one alien element has been found, one that has a more direct
meaning to the Lord of Aglarond. And he will take it and see it
properly bestowed, with the honor due the one who left it....

The solemnity of the telling well fits the subject matter. I am glad
it was written.

Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 05:39:40
Spoilers!
It was Boromir who introduced his younger brother to the practice of
watching the river on the first full moon after yaviere to see the
gallants sail down the river. It's been some years since Faramir has
seen a ship on the river on this night; will he be granted such a
vision this year, and will he bring his son here some day, perhaps?
And whose forms are they that are seen?

A mystical telling of a mystical tale. Etherial.

Title: Moonset over Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 652
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-09-07 05:44:55
Spoilers!
What shines in this vignette is Raksha's ability to evoke the wild
beauty of the land of Ithilien, as Faramir contemplates its present,
peaceful beauty. He can not help but remember the same scene in
desperate times six years in the past, with Frodo in the camp, about
to head into Mordor. In the quiet scene, Eowyn joins her husband to
reflect on Frodo's journey and wonder if Frodo, too, looks on the moon
from the undying lands.

While reading this story, my mind could not help but think of the
beautiful painted backdrop from the film "The Two Towers" that is also
called "Moonset Over Gondor." How healing for Faramir to stop in the
place of turmoil years ago to view it this time in peace with the one
that he loves.

Title: Elrond's Farewell · Author: Armariel · Genres: Poetry · ID: 269
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 05:48:13
Spoilers!
Armariel's free-verse is always evocative, always moving, always
filled with a poignancy that draws the reader into the mood of the one
whose voice is reflected in her carefully chosen images and reflected
feelings.

This farewell to his daughter by Elrond is a sparkling gem caught in
shining links of words, and a poem that is as ever a joy to read and
ponder. The image of her dancing barefoot on the shards of his heart,
and his recognition that one day it will be her heart that lies there
splintered while those who follow after do similarly is achingly
beautiful.

I hope others will read and delight in this offering as much as do I
as we consider just how painful as well as fulfilling such love as
these have known can be.

Title: The Mariner's Son · Author: cairistiona · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 329
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-09-07 06:52:04
Spoilers!
This story is gripping and unique.I found myself reading it in one
sitting which I rarely do for a multi chaptered story.
Aragorn's plight at the beginning was chilling, but the it was the
tragic tale of the Mariner and his son that truly caught my attention.
I would have liked to know exactly how Aragorn avoided drowning and I
think he ended up as Thorongil in Gondor, because he did want to be
King and needed to learn about his future subjects.
The final chapter was my favourite in which Aragorn gently persuades
the simple minded boy to return his belongings.
A very enjoyable read.A friend told me I would enjoy this a while
ago,but I never got round to reading it,so I'm glad I did now!

Title: Legolas in Mandos · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 317
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-09-07 06:58:13
Spoilers!
A haunting and beautiful story.I\\\'m not a Legolas fan, but I loved
Aragorn\\\'s loyalty and devotion here.For the King to be willing to
take on the Valar in a bid to save his friend at great risk to himself
is awe inspiring. A very well written and unusual tale.

Title: The Weight of Power · Author: Nefhiriel · Times: Mid Third Age
· ID: 325
Reviewer: Michelle · 2008-09-07 11:46:48
Nefhiriel`s „The Weight of Power" covers a timeframe that has only
been hinted at by Tolkien in his appendices, but which is perfect for
a fanfiction author: the years of Aragorn`s travels to Rohan and
Gondor. Choosing such a topic gives you a lot of freedom and Nefhiriel
takes that freedom and goes with in, in the end creating an epic tale
with canon and original characters, an engaging plot and of course a
fascinating undercover Aragorn (alias Thorongil).

What I liked best about this story (apart from the obvious
on-the-edge-of-my-seat-action) was the blend of canon characters and
original additions. The canon characters are sometimes nothing more
than a name given my Tolkien, but Nefhiriel manages to create
characters you like, giving them emotions, passions and quirky
characters traits. A showcase is young Theoden, who could have easily
turned into an obnoxious kid character, but who is actually very
likable. Nefhiriel can be just as convincing when writing original
characters, especially Aragorn`s subordinate (and friend) Araedhelm.

So, as a not-so-secret admirer of Thorongil-stories, this was simply
perfect in my humble opinion. Nefhiriel decided to go for a plot that
covers 40 chapters – more than 180,000 words – and never does the plot
overwhelm the author. As a reader you can always lean back with the
assurance that Nefhiriel has things well in hand. A great story!

Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-07 11:51:33
Spoilers!
Beautiful story, and I love especially the part about Smeagol. I
always thought that he was the most tragic figure in the whole tale of
the Ring, and to see him restored and find peace, at last, is a
wonderful thing. I also loved the way his loved ones reacted. A
powerful, intense tale that made me think. Thank you for writing and
sharing!

Title: DISGUISE: Emissaries · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor: Valar &
Maiar · ID: 56
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 19:29:22
Spoilers!
Myself, I had a rather different vision of how the Istari were chosen
and how they came to the decision of how they might appear within the
mortal lands; but this one, particularly Olorin's choice as to why
they must be able to anticipate possible physical death, is a logical
and thoughtful one.

Very well written and thoughtfully planned, and with just the right
touches of humor.

Title: Answering the Call · Author: docmon · Genres: Drama · ID: 340
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 19:33:02
Twice before I have read and loved this series; it is an honor to
review it here.

A most thoughtful series of AU stories in which we see the various
members of the Fellowship responding to the powerful call of the One
Ring. Most end badly; most, but not all. For even in hearing the call
of the Ring there dwells Hope.

Very thoughtfully written, and with a marked degree of thought as to
how each of the various characters might have been expected to respond.

Title: A Moment in the Morning in Bree · Author: Budgielover · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 731
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-07 19:48:59
Hilarious, delightful, full of Hobbity humor--this was a joy to reread
once more! I'd love to see the series this began coninued, actually!
Do continue it when you can! Aragorn coming to know the four Hobbits
better and trying to help them become more comfortable with Men and
himself in particular is priceless!

Title: I Ain't Got Nobody · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 568
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-09-07 22:34:41
Absolutely ridiculous; I couldn't help laughing (while I kept shaking
my head at the absurd, slap-stick situations presented in the story).