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| My Birthday Mathoms by Mirkwoodmaiden | 22 Review(s) |
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| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/18/2025 |
| MM! I am finally getting to reading this! (And glad of the opportunity.) It is the time of day when things have settled down, people are out and about or busy with various tasks. Even the cats are napping and not rubbing against my legs, threatening to bite if I don't go immediately to the couch (do not pass GO and do not collect $200, even though a little additional money is always welcome) and make a lap. The play quickly became a game of Dragons. Of course small children steeped in history and legend would play at Dragons! What a wonderful detail. Gilraen's laughter is also lovely, as are Elrond's thoughts. I laughed at "Nor should he!" And again at, "As I did the last two times you have asked." The rite of passage reminds me of an Indigenous tradition of going out in search of a vision. I don't remember anymore where I read about it or any of the details. Gilraen's inner Mama Bear is very apparent here. I don't envy Elrond at this moment. He had not planned time in the Herbarium, but his young son looked so excited he did not want to disappoint him. Excellent way to show Elrond's love for this special lad. I thought of Elros, too, when Elrond did. I wonder what Elros-and-Elrond stories might be out there...? Now I have an inkling of a story, but I must simply make a note of it for future reference because there are still too many WIPs yelling for my attention. (Almost-twelve-year-old Estel is such a delight!) I love the idea of the touchstone. I looked up moonstone, and one of the things I found was "A talisman for travelers (especially at night), believed to offer protection and good fortune, particularly in difficult times." As I have mentioned before, I love your rituals. They show a great deal of thought and care. I loved the place being described as a special glade that responded even to a trace of Elven blood. And Estel's asking permission of his surroundings sounds eminently right somehow. Hmmm, I just had a second thought about the "special tea". Is it similar to the psychedelics used in rituals aimed at visions? (I found the term "entheogenic ritual or a shamanic ritual" just now in a web search.) During Estel's encounter with Arathorn, I suddenly realised what a risk Elrond was taking. Arathorn told Estel who he was! Luckily, the boy didn't remember the details but only his father's love. I was so sad for Estel when he thought he'd failed. I'm extremely grateful for the last line. Wonderful and completely absorbing, as always! (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Ah yes! A full house has its joys and consequences! :-) "Even the cats are napping and not rubbing against my legs, threatening to bite if I don't go immediately to the couch" Our furry masters are demanding to say the least. I remember one time I was sitting on the sofa talking to my mom. Ana, the Grand Duchess, walks into the room falls over onto her side and meows in her demanding little way. I GET UP OFF THE SOFA to sit on the floor to rub her belly! Then I think "Hey wait a minute!" Ana looks at me like, "Did I tell you to stop! Pet me!" So I thought I'm already here so I continued to pet her!! Back to the story! "The play quickly became a game of Dragons. Of course small children steeped in history and legend would play at Dragons! What a wonderful detail. Gilraen's laughter is also lovely, as are Elrond's thoughts." Well of course he would play at Dragons! I was influenced in this by a fantasy series written by Melanie Rawn, called the Dragon Prince series. There, one of the favorite games for the children was to play "Dragons." Also I have always been fascinated by the relationship that must have existed between Gilraen and Elrond. Not romantic (because Elrond still had Celebrian in his heart and Elves mated even beyond death and Gliraen still grieved for Arathorn but they had but a shared love of Estel I think created a close bond between them. "The rite of passage reminds me of an Indigenous tradition of going out in search of a vision. I don't remember anymore where I read about it or any of the details." I have to where I don't remember, various places I should think. I thought that with the Elves bound to Arda it would make sense that they should have such a ritual. And in keeping with the Professor this Ritual isn't really codified. Not "Magic" as such. Just a bond that was. And even trace amounts of Elven blood would suffice. I find it a little mind boggling that Through Elros, Elrond is Aragorn's uncle. More later! Must dash to work! Officially put in for retirement though! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Part 2! Lin! "I love the idea of the touchstone. I looked up moonstone, and one of the things I found was "A talisman for travelers (especially at night), believed to offer protection and good fortune, particularly in difficult times." I thought that Gilraen would want to give him something from his time before they came to Imladris. In "the Heir Apparent" Elrond decides that Aragorn cannot know his heritage and Gilraen accedes to his wishes, though she found it a painful thing to agree to. She gives Estel her wedding pendant for the three days to give him something that binds him to his destiny without his knowing it. A bond between him, her and his father that he has not been allowed to know about. I probably looked up the moonstone meaning when I originally wrote the chapter for their marriage in "Heir Apparent." "As I have mentioned before, I love your rituals. They show a great deal of thought and care. I loved the place being described as a special glade that responded even to a trace of Elven blood. And Estel's asking permission of his surroundings sounds eminently right somehow." It seemed to feel right. No elaborate proscribed rituals, just acting from the heart. I added the idea of a special tea but now I think it was to open Estel up to these feelings, he did that all on his own. Maybe it was there is make sure he didn't lose him within Arda. "During Estel's encounter with Arathorn, I suddenly realised what a risk Elrond was taking. Arathorn told Estel who he was! Luckily, the boy didn't remember the details but only his father's love." It was a risk but thankfully Arathorn realized what he could and couldn't say. I tried stay away from cliches in this moment of communion. It was fun to write! Thanks again for writing! (((hugs))) MM Once again | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/11/2025 |
| What an utterly lovely story and Rite of Passage! I enjoyed every word. Happy Birthday, my friend, and may your heart be as joyous as Estel's. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thank you so much! It's been a while since I've written anything that hasn't been based in Rohan so I thought this would be nice!! So glad you liked it. It was a good birthday even though I have had a bit of a cold during it!! Now to make presents and write my Solstice story! stay warm and cozy!! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/31/2025 |
| A shared birthday! Such a joyful tale. I love the legend about the horses and the Moon, and how Éowyn incorporates her new-found information into helping the mare. The rapport between the girl and the mare is so touching. And now I have caught up with all the chapters in this story. Éowyn shares so many similarities with my Tooks! Archery prowess, joy and excitement about helping foals into the world, reverence for life... I may have to add some new material to Farry and Ferdi Go to Gondor just for the purpose of throwing them together somehow... Frankly, it might even help Ferdi along in his journey to a better understanding (and appreciation) of Men. He already has some respect for Faramir and Éowyn from their interactions during the relief effort to deal with the famine that afflicted the Shire a couple years earlier. I will have to give it some thought. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/16/2024 |
| His eye lit up – What a lovely picture of Denethor's love for his wife. It's all too easy to picture him as he was near the end of his Stewardship, weighted down by the threat of Mordor, the influence of Sauron, the impending, inescapable doom that infected him from looking in the Seeing Stone. And yet, in his desperation to somehow save his people and his City, he couldn't not look, as it were. Finduílas was clearly the light of his life. I had this thought long before the words popped up in the chapter. Like her, I find the sea somehow soothing, strengthening, and healing. We don't visit so often as we used to, which is a pity. I could watch and listen to the waves for hours. Considering the roles played by Boromir and Faramir in the War of the Ring, I wonder if Denethor and Finduílas were somehow fated to meet and marry? (I remember reading JRRT's mention of "the author", yet not referring to himself but to a higher power.) I find myself glad for Denethor's choices here. It's too bad he could not always respond so wisely to Faramir in later years. Yet Boromir filled the gap somewhat, I think, as did Mithrandir – as far as he was able to without raising Denethor's ire at the wizard's attentions to his son. Lovely! One more chapter in this birthday series, at this time anyhow. I will save it to savor tomorrow. Author Reply: Lindelea! Sorry for the extreme lateness of this reply. Somehow I missed it earlier. Thank you for your review. I have already seen Denethor and Faramir's relationship as a love too painful for Denethor to act upon. When he says in ROTK "I sent my son unthanked, unblessed and into needless peril" he is remembering his love that has been buried under memories too painful and at the end it is uncovering finally. And also as it is mentioned somewhere in Tolkien's works that Faramir looks like his mother, Denethor could not bear to look at him so the love they shared must have been a great love and one Denethor never got over. It give depth to his character. Also we don't always handle grief as well as we could or should. I tend to hold grief at bay and distance myself and thought that perhaps Denethor had this reaction. I took a great deal of joy writing this story. P.S. In an interesting note my opinion of Denethor and my depiction of Eowyn differ greatly. I have sympathy for him. Eowyn simply does not. She cannot understand how Denethor could treat Faramir as he did. Though she never met him she could never forgive him. An interesting note I think. PPS. I love the sea as well. Finduilas and I share the same affinity for the sea. Once again thanks for reviewing! ((hugs)) Happy new year! MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/15/2024 |
| Resuming my reading... Ah yes, the warrior father and scholarly son. And yet this father makes a point of commending his son's work. Very satisfying. It always puzzled me that Wood Elves would choose to live in a dwelling delved from cold stone, but this chapter helps me begin to understand. The banter between husband and wife is lovely, especially her warning to him not to engage in "I told you so" in future times. And what is it with people surrendering to the impulse to pet a pregnant belly? I shudder in remembrance. I suppose it might be taken as a blessing, but it always felt like impertinence to me, the few times I experienced such a thing. Oh! The "forgotten joy" and "lessening of joy" is very well done. One of those nuances that I love to find in your stories. I was so worried that something would go wrong... I'm so glad to read the account of a joyous occasion. The mention of Thranduil's healing brings with it reminders about the battles he must have seen, including the Battle of Dagorlad where his father was slain, and the Siege of Barad-Dûr and Sauron's defeat. (I wonder if he perceived Sauron's influence in the growing shadow over Mirkwood? Reading the chapter over again, I'm sure he recognised it even if he did not want to acknowledge it.) Welcome, Legolas! Author Reply: Lindelea! Thank you once again for the review! Yeah, true many Thranduil stories are not happy ones and I thought he needed to have a happy ending. He has seen so much it is no wonder that he has a somewhat jaundiced view of life. The birth of Legolas was perfect for this! Also I wanted to write a story about Thranduil and his wife wife whom I named Lasgalen independent of Pippa Boyens naming her the same thing! Their was a happy union until she was taken from him again leading to his jaundiced view of life. "The "forgotten joy" and "lessening of joy" is very well done" I strive to insert those bits that give detail and depth to my stories! About Thranduil perceiving Sauron's growing influence in Mirkwood, I think he does and I have to admit to some influence by another fan fiction writer on here, Conquistadora. She has a wonderful long saga called "When We Were Young" and has the idea that Thranduil senses the evil presence in Dol Goldur. She and I tend to concur on our opinions of Thranduil. Thanks again! ((hugs)) and Happy New Year! MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/14/2024 |
| (This chapter was posted for your most recent birthday. I didn't want to leave off reading without leaving a review! But I don't have time to read this one just now. Here's hoping I can take up where I left off [just starting Chapter 3] tomorrow...) Author Reply: Lindelea!! Thanks for the Birthday wishes!! Read when you can!! ((Hugs)) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/14/2024 |
| How I love this joyful chapter. It is a balm in itself. How wonderful to read of the healing and restoration that took place after the War ended while anticipating joy to come! I am also quite hooked on the idea of hearing more about Faramir and Éowyn's life in Ithilien. What was it like when they arrived in the land? Did Faramir want to leave her "safe" in Rohan while they cleansed the land of the worst dangers? Did Éowyn insist on accompanying him? (She is, after all, a shield maiden.) Did they end up in a battle together, fighting back-to-back? Did they even, at different points, end up saving each other from death or serious injury? Yikes, my imagination is running wild. That's what I get for eating too much chocolate, I guess. It can make me hyper. The thought of Beregond popping up here and there (or - who am I kidding? - featuring heavily) as Faramir's Captain in Ithilien would be a bonus. Beregond's the one who dragged me into fanfic in the first place, after all. LOL, if you ever find time hanging heavy on your hands, that is. Or if you know of someone who has already written such a story, please let me know. Again, since this is a story comprised of birthday mathoms: Happy Birthday! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/14/2024 |
| I just now settled down "for a good read", and seeing this story on the home page, I decided to start with Chapter 1 (even though I see I left a review for it already, meaning I read it earlier). By the way, Happy Birthday! (I ought to have started with that...) And many happy returns. The chapter is as delightful as I remembered it. Moreso, even. (Spellchecker doesn't like "moreso". Should it be "more so"?) I love all the homey little details you include; they make the story so real. I hope your birthday was as warm and wonderful as reading your chapters always makes me feel. Now on to the next chapter. | |
| Itarille | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/9/2024 |
| Sharing a birthday with a foal--how fitting for Eowyn. Thank you for sharing your stories. And happy birthday to you! Author Reply: Itarille! Thanks for taking the time to review. It means a lot to me. It only made sense to be that Eowyn would have a special bond with her horse. She is Rohirrim after all! :-) I have finally carved out a little space to do some more writing! Yeah! I am currently working on a Winter Solstice story involving Eowyn. I hope to have it ready by the Solstice! Thanks again! MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/9/2024 |
| What a lovely and joyous story, and such a marvelous lesson (for all of us) about slowing down and living in the moment. Happy Birthday to you, and may your special day be as magical as your tales. Author Reply: Shirebound! Hello! Thank you so much!! It was a lovely birthday! I thought Eowyn deserved one as well!! I was going to add a bit of angst such as doubt as to whether the foal would survive, but in the end she does. But then I thought "Nah!" I want to write a purely happy story. Eowyn has enough drama in her life, surely there were many happy moments as well. And right now in "Destiny's Child" we are in the midst of much angst so I wrote of pure joy! Thanks again for the review! Merry Christmas and wishing all in Middle Earth fandom a Happy Yule!! ((hugs)) MM | |