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The Old that is Strong  by Linda Hoyland 7 Review(s)
InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2010
This is a point of view for this scene that we don't see very often but you did a great job here, Linda, of blending your own words with those of JRRT.

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing this scene through Ioreth's eyes.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/17/2010
A wonderful expansion on that book moment. I love Ioreth's personality as it's expressed here. Good to see this here!

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed this.

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2010
I really enjoyed reading this story, Linda. It's a wonderful gap filler.Your Ioreth sounds very true to character indeed, and you did a great job of portraying the exhaustion and the abnegation of those working at Houses of Healing.

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm delighted you enjoyed the story and felt Ioreth was in character.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2010
This one came out particularly nicely, Linda! You capture Ioreth's personality very well. I love her care for Faramir, and initial disapproval of a certain scruffy stranger. And the bit with the herb-master wondering why Ioreth wanted a headache remedy at such a time was just perfect - the entire staff of the Houses of Healing had to be exhuasted and cross; and yet they kept working, trying to save all their patients.

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.You were a great help to me with this, I recall. I'm pleased you enjoyed the storyand felt I captured the atmosphere at the Houses.

Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2010
Oh, I enjoyed this, Linda!

It's good to see this great scene through the fresh eyes.... well done!

- Barbara

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this retelling!

Thundera TigerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2010
This was fantastic! This scene is one of my favorites from the books, and you've done such a wonderful job of really getting into Ioreth's head and retelling this from her perspective. Tolkien gave us a lot of details for this scene, and it must have been difficult to find a way to rehash it in a way that wouldn't seem repetitive and boring. This is neither, and I absolutely loved getting better acquainted with the herb-master, Ioreth, the Warden, etc. I have to admit that Ioreth is not my favorite character, but when she's given a context and some wonderful characterization, she really can shine. Thank you for this!

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. This is my very favourite scene in the books and I'm delighted you enjoyed my retelling.I admit to a soft spot for Ioreth as someone who still exists in our world as I think we all know someone similiar.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2010
"Who would lie idle when the king has returned?"

What an amazing thing it would be, to hear Faramir say this to a stranger! You've filled in the gaps in this scene beautifully. I had forgotten that Aragorn called Faramir back without the aid of athelas, but nearly spent himself in the process. He only used it at the end to strengthen and refresh everyone (even himself).

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I agree it would have been wonderful to be there. This scene amazes me for aRagorn's willingness to try so hard to save Faramir when he is already exausted.

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