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The Measure Of A Man  by Virtuella 5 Review(s)
Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/5/2008
but I didn’t actually get there and I ended up driving away the orcs from an island in the river - easy enough to know exactly WHY he didn't make it to Mordor... I wonder if he'll share it with his friend, this secret shame...

And then - you have me livid over your hero not having enough coin to buy himself an ale... what kind of government.... never mind... I won't discuss politics here... :)

Halol has claimed the better lot.......... too often is that lament heard.

The stones had soaked up the midday sun... unlike those other stones that were now cooling under their blanket of turf into the endless chill of death. *shivers*

Beautiful chapter....


Author Reply: Well, Niarl is the kind of happy-go-lucky man who'll not die with shame about this, and since he had his fair share of adventures afterwards, I don't think he'll need to. And the "government" - they just have been rather busy with lots of things and haven't got round to sorting some things out yet.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/12/2008
This chapter brought tears to my eyes.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2008
Oh, Virtuella--this is absolutely lyrical! I put off reading it until I had time to savor it, and it was the proper choice, I deem! Oh, how sad that he thinks of himself as not a proper man and will deny his love due to that. It appears Fana is still interested! Now, to see what brings him back from his despondency to accept there is life indeed even for those with but one foot!

I love your writing, and the theme is one that is dear to my heart, of course.

Author Reply: Well, I need to start of sad, so that things can get better. ;-)
Thanks for your review!

CeleritasReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2008
Dearig's frustration with his disability and its implications was so saddening! Niarl seems to have hit a sore spot when mentioning the girl.

Eowyn watching for the arrival of the funeral procession immediately reminded me of the parallel scene in the Two Towers films, but coupled with your gentle descriptions of the landscape showed how much she has changed over the War. I don't know if that was intentional or not but it worked very well!

It is good that the locals recognize the contribution of everyday people such as Dearig as well as those of the Great.

I admit I am intrigued by the introduction of Fana and hope that we get to see more of her!

Finally, your descriptions, especially of the environment, have some great imagery to them. I always like it when writers appeal to more senses than just sight.

Author Reply: I didn't have any parallel to the movie in mind, but yes, I was trying to show that she has changed, perhaps mellowed. It'll be a theme in the story that other people haven't escaped unscather, either.

Thanks for reviewing!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2008
Oh my! This chapter is just filled with wonderful gems. The encounter between Dearig and his friend in the tavern was very realistic--Dearig has a long way to go to adjust to his new state. I hope that his friends will be understanding and firm, and not give up on him!

It was good to get a glimpse of Eowyn--she's waiting not only for her brother, and for her uncle's shell, but also for her betrothed. I appreciated the hint that she's not entirely healed of her injuries yet, but still, she is definitely in command of herself and of Meduseld at this point.

Dearig gets a greeting from Merry! That was delightful: I hope that we do see Merry coming to visit him, and that he will introduce his cousins and Sam!

Fana seems very young. I hope she won't be hurt or put off by Dearig's reactions.

And that last paragraph was beautiful! The song of a lark carried over from the barrow-field, the singer nothing but a tiny speck in the blue sky. The sun stood in the south, behind the White Mountains and the shadows were short at this time of day. On the low stone wall that marked the edge of their small kitchen garden a little green and brown lizard basked in the sunshine. It was panting in the heat, its flanks moving quickly. The stones had soaked up the midday sun and would cling to it while the day lasted, unlike those other stones that were now cooling under their blanket of turf into the endless chill of death.Déarig put his hand on the bench beside him and felt the warmth of the rough wood. Thyme and rosemary that grew among the roots and cabbages scented the air. He drew a deep breath, filling his lungs with as much air as they would hold. When he moved his head, the lizard scurried away. The imagery here is absolutely wonderful--without showing any of his thoughts, but just his outward reactions, you show us very much his state of mind. Skillfully done!

Author Reply: "I hope that we do see Merry coming to visit him, and that he will introduce his cousins and Sam!"

That would be sweet indeed, but it would also bend canon a bit too much for my taste. And people rarely introduce their friends and family to someone they've spent a few days in hospital with. ;-)

I'm glad you liked the closing paragraph. I must say I quite like it myself.

Thanks very much for reviewing!

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