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The Young Knights  by Soledad 42 Review(s)
StefaniaReviewed Chapter: 20 on 8/11/2007
Congratulations on the Tournament chapters, Soledad. They were so full of action and color. I really appreciated your attention to detail, too, in regard to the colors that the knights wore, their armament, the horses--everything. And yes, I did think of the Tournament in "Ivanhoe," though you certainly keep the story well grounded in Middle Earth.

Very exciting!

- Steff

phyloxenaReviewed Chapter: 24 on 1/25/2007
Thank you for sharing this story. I'm catching up, being parted from the means of communication for a month. And I missed "Yong Knights" all the way. It gets so sad in the end...

StefaniaReviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/5/2007
Soledad, I love the rich world that you have created for your characters. And this chapter is one of the best illustrations of that world so far. Your king of the fair echoes the ancient European pagan custom of the "scapegoat" and yet works perfectly within the context of your Lossarnarch.

- Steff

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 24 on 12/31/2006
Oh my - there is such an aura of sadness over these partings - lots of 'nevermore, nevermore'. Which is, in truth, how happy times like this tend to end. Glorious memories of wondrous days that can never be recaptured.

Such a shame that so few were left to gather in the days after the War to recall that splendid display.

A most enjoyable story, Soledad. Thank you for a delightful Advent calendar.

Author Reply: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
I did intend to end the story a bit more optimistically, but knowing all those fates... Ah, well, I'll treat you folks to the wedding of Achren and Húrin one day to make up for the sadness. Just don't ask when.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/31/2006
Good - Achren and Hurin have settled one matter. That promises (I hope) at least one happy outcome. Although, of course, Theodred and Aud did love each other ... but most of the others don't (as far as I can work out) have much to look forward to. (Well, apart from Faramir. And perhaps Elphir and Morwen?) OK. I suppose I mean Herumor and the inhabitants of Halabor. And Boromir. And Forlong perishes on the Pelennor, doesn't he?

Wouldn't it be an interesting twist if the little dark songbird ended up having Herumor's baby! It would be a firstborn and all... Maybe Halabor would rise from the ashes. Or maybe not. And I would be very interested to learn what becomes of Madenn.

Author Reply: If you looked for the clues carefully, you do know what will become of Madenn. She's at Aragorn's coronation... she's just not named by the Professor.

Yep, Forlong perishes on the Pelennor, poor old sod. But he dies a hero, and his sacifice helps saving Gondor and all the other free peoples, so that's not such a bad thing, after all. And he wasn't young anymore and had a full life already.

StefaniaReviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/28/2006
Hi Soledad -

This was a fun chapter, which nicely captured the flavor of big country fairs. I love Rennaisance Faires, in particular, and your chapter certainly evoked them. Faramir's attempts to buy the rare books without enough cash was particularly amusing, especially when Boromir steps forward and makes it clear that the vendor better give him a fair price! (I love the bazaars in the Middle Eastern countries.)

One thing I wondered--and its a general fan fiction quandry--should youthful Faramir and the other noble children run about unescorted at a huge public gathering wearing the insignia of their houses. It certainly proves who Faramir is when he wants to buy somethings on credit. However, it might be dangerous in case some baddie wants to kill him or abduct him for ransom. But maybe that's where "The Young Knights" is heading?

Keep up the good work.

- Steff



Author Reply: Erm... it is mentioned that they actually had guards escorting them. Faramir just got separated because he smelled the books, to put ot that silly way. Don't worry, though, this is a more or less happy story, no bad things intended. :)

Thanks for the comments, I'm glad you enjoy yourself.


BodkinReviewed Chapter: 22 on 12/28/2006
Well - I'm glad Madenn got to say goodbye to Theodred. Although I'm not sure whether realising that Aud loves him will make it easier or harder on either of them.

But Morwen's support might help Achren make up her mind. Or not. I look forward to seeing how Madenn and Morwen deal with each other.



Author Reply: You surely ask hard questions. :) To be honest, I have no idea.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 21 on 12/28/2006
The higher nobility might have the nobler weapons, but these had the numbers, and at war, numbers often have a decisive role.

Very true.

But poor Herveig - how deeply unfair that being born after his father's death should rob him of his inheritance.

While - excellent job, Achren! Nothing like having your own money and estates to give you the power to put your foot down. Almaren had better keep Forlong's words in her mind. Spite and endless carping will only get you so far.

Author Reply: Let me not even mention Lord Benniget's family! They are another bunch who forced their way in - I just can't resist these people.

I was thinking hard about a way that would enable Achren to resist any unwanted marriage plans, and came out with havign her own lands. That seemed the most believable.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 20 on 12/28/2006
I'm with Achren! The melee does sound rather a lethal way to enjoy yourself. But I suppose warriors could do worse than learn battle skills in a controlled environment. Probably.

Author Reply: Well, according to medieval sources, this was the first form of tournament and served as training for real war. There were always a few fatal casualties - the tournament of Ashby, which Sir Walter Scott describes in Ivanhoe, was considered as one of the merriest ones with a good outcome, as "only" four knights were killed and a few crippled for life.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 19 on 12/28/2006
Good job done by Faramir there - and I love his embarrassment when the admired Idis kisses him! But it would seem that Herumor's admirer has rather more in mind!



Author Reply: Well, I thought there must be a reason why Faramir fell so head over heals for Éowyn. If he had met women (well, girls) like her before, at least the basics would have been laid.

The girl singer wormed herself into the story unintentedly, again. She's a somewhat sinister character, although I couldn't tell for my life why. I don't trust her at all - although I have no idea if she would ever appear again. Yeah, sounds foolish coming from me, but, that's how it works.

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