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Evensong  by Rose Sared 5 Review(s)
TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 9 on 7/18/2005
Well, I just discovered that you can post a review without putting in your name.*dense, dense, dense*
Anyway, this was a very interesting chapter. The shuttered village is a tantalizing mystery. That girl at the winsdow was a bit cheeky for someone in hiding, wasn't she?
But for me the most interesting part was the interaction between Legolas, Radagast, Gimli and the horse. I confess to knowing little about the wizard other than that he spoke to the birds. He seems a bit odd. Just shy, perhaps? I liked the introductions and the little witty exchange that went with it. Was Legolas really offended by Gimli's comment about his civilizing influence? I laughed aloud at that part. I like Legolas' habit of tree-hugging. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do it and get the same effect he does? Despite Radagast's help I wonder if the sea-longing will somehow become a factor later in the story. Lastly I was a bit confused by Gimli's behavior at the end. There seemed to be conflicting emotion in him. Was he jealous of Radagast's rapport with Legolas? His protectiveness was very evident, but then he seemed aghast at his violent reaction to the wizard. It seemed, in the end he was very moved by the aid the Radagast gave Legolas. There was a lot of intriquing stuff in this chapter. ~TF

Author Reply: Them dwarves, they get pretty possessive and I think Gimli is always a little suspicious of wizards until they prove themselves - I think he has an impetuous nature and the softest heart around, hence his chagrin. Anything for his elf you know, but heaven forfend his elf should find out.Hah!
Thanks as ever for the kind words
Rose

ziggyReviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/24/2005
Do you know, this is just so beautifully written. An example- the way you move them through the lanscape, not just tell us, but they actually travel- the lone dog barking is first, in front of them, then at their backs- just that details makes it real.ANd I KNOW that indigo and eggshell effect- absolutely perfect. And Radagast's sort of absent mindedness that ignores Gimli for the horse - that is a wonderful momnet, Gimli straightening himself up and hten Legolas looking apologeticially as he leads R to the horse.I do like the way you write Gimli - very in keeping with the character.But the exchange between R and Gimli about his civilsing influence is particularly funny- made me laugh out loud.

So, Narvi and Celebrimbor .. hm....where next? The village has lost all its men ... where are they? How is Narvi getting her power ...Is this linked or a diversion? The mysteries build up so more soon please, please

Author Reply: Thank you ziggy,I am glad you feel you are inside this story - it is inside my head so much I am always worried I am overdoing the detail.
N/C are causing me to do some very strange research into the theology of M-e at the moment, the things we do.
The missing men - ah, there is a tale that is evolving because of my poor plotting and the wonderful feedback I get. More OC's with a life of their own - bother it. Ch11 germinating as we chat.
Rose

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/17/2005
Ai! Rose! You really touch my heart with your portrayal of Gimli and Legolas' friendship. I'll just go on and comment on the end of the chapter first.

Ascallon - I really love this mare! (And she has a name...imagine that! LOL) The interaction between the gruff dwarf and the uneasy mare is priceless (the battle of wills about whether she would keep him company by standing in his lap!) and the picture of her blowing in his ear is great.

Radagast's surprise at the affinity between a dwarf and a horse (she speaks highly of you) and a dwarf and an elf (he trying to civilize the elf, is he?) was so well done.

I loved Legolas in the trees analyzing the blight, but the part that really got to me was his openness to the trees leaving him more vulnerable to the sea's call. When he collapses and Radagast comes to his aid - and Gimli mistakes his intentions! So in character for the dwarf to defend first and ask questions later. "Look to your song, Legolas." I loved that - strengthening Legolas through his own inner music (but you know I WOULD pick out that part as a favorite). Gimli's reaction, the tears in his eyes, not being able to meet Legolas's eyes because he misunderstood...I just love that dwarf! And I love your Radagast, too! Very wizard-y! :-) And of course, I love Legolas's radiant face, too (but that goes without saying!) ;-)

Now back to the top - so what's up with that village? Huh...huh...HUH????? Sounds very not-good, Rose! Those people were seriously freaked out! Well, I can't wait for the next chapter, tho' I suppose I'll have to...

linda
(as for the rebellion of characters that want their time in the spotlight...have yours been talking to mine? Do you think they have a Union or something?) :-/

Author Reply: Ah, unionised characters, explains a lot really, they even get regulation breaks!
I am glad you are enjoying this, especially my favorite nag - she rather likes the respect she got in this ch. Getting a bit nappy in fact, will be asking for her own trailer soon, none of this trotting from location to location. Ahem.
Much is explained about what is going on in the village next ch. having finally convinced the plot that it actually has to move on and can't just wallow where it feels comfortable. Errr, time for bed, I think.
Love your reviews, I may have mentioned that once or twice - Grin.
Rose

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/17/2005
Has the life-sucking effect reached the village? Are we going to see zombies? Do 20 year old look 90? Is the girl with golden hair about to provide love interest for Earnulf? Are the villagers actually going to tell the king's captain what is going on?

Radagast and Legolas, on the other hand, seem to have a better idea. I'm glad to hear that Thranduil's power is sufficient to protect Lasgalen, but the later spring/earlier autumn effect appears to be speeding up in the rest of the world.

I like Radagast greeting Ascallon in preference to Gimli - and relying on the horse's impression of the dwarf. And once he's got past the 'nobody touches my elf' reaction, Gimli is going to appreciate Radagast's action in response to the river daughter's 'help'.

A very tempting chapter that cries out for more - elaboration and elucidation. Soon, please

Author Reply: Scribbling away in all sorts of unlikely places to provide both I promise. Fancy that - zombie villagers - nah, if I told you I would have to ... well do something unpleasant like tell a story in chronological order with a nice straight storyline, or something. ewww.
Sorry to be so frustrating, you want to try living in my head for a mo', it's crowded in here.
Next ch next week, Theresa allowing.
Thanks so much for the review. I beat the fifteen year old off the computer with a hosepipe just so I could be cheered up, and I was!
Rose

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/16/2005
So what's going on in the village? This doesn't look good. And leaf blight? What kind of nastiness is afoot here?

I like Gimli's protectiveness and his grudging affection for the horse.

Author Reply: As ever thanks for the review daw. Prod, prod, I am posting, Jo is posting, where is the next one from you?
Trying to find excuses to not write the next chapter here.
Rose

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