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| The Minstrel's Quest by Gentle Hobbit | 113 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 8/8/2005 |
| Such a beautiful sweet and tender ending. This story has been a real delight to me. As Frodo thanked Farohan, I thank you, for sharing it. Author Reply: You are more than welcome. And I must thank you for letting me know what you have been thinking as you make your way through the story. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 8/8/2005 |
| Wonderful to the last. I was sorry to see it end. I think that the part where Frodo and Farohan listen the the wind play the harp was inspired. I will mark this story to read again and again. Author Reply: Thank you for your kind words! I shall miss writing the story. And... that bit with the wind and the harp comes directly from my own experiences of hearing the wind through the strings of my own harp. It is a beautiful and ethereal sound, well suited to minstrels, elves, and elf-friends. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/8/2005 |
| I loved the conversatin between Merry and Pippin and Farohan about not offering up the entire truth unless Frodo asked for it. I like the way the Merry and Pippin talked, finishing each other's thoughts. I also loved the fact that the hobbits now consider Farohan their friend. Author Reply: I enjoyed writing that part. The camraderie between the hobbits and Farohan (and Beregond, Legolas and Gimli) has been a warm and enjoyable thing for me to explore. And I'm glad you liked the Merry and Pippin tag-team effect! | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/8/2005 |
| Merry is almost as nervous during the performance as if he were singing the song himself. I loved how Merry presented his case to Aragorn and the respect that Aragorn showed Merry. I also loved your discription of both songs and the fact that Menelor's song was extremely moving as well. It doesn't make an easy choice for Aragorn. Loved Pippin talk of Farohan surely returning in time for his meal too. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/8/2005 |
| I was so glad to have the time to read more of this. I simply love Merry in this. His strength of will and his determination are simply wonderful. I am also enjoying Legolas. If I haven't said so before then I say so now, this is a lovely story. | |
| GamgeeFest | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 8/7/2005 |
| Bravo! That was marvellously told. I loved the appearance of Fellen at the end and that he and Farohan were able to ease each other's pain over missing Frodo. This has been a delightful story. Thank you for sharing it. Author Reply: Thank *you* for following the tale and giving me such lovely feedback. I am very glad you liked Fellen's being included. I felt very strongly that those two would understand each other. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/6/2005 |
| Score! Although I'm glad that Menelor's work will be aired too. Somehow I'm not surprised that Merry and Pippin don't want their part in the education of the minstrel to be known. Although, of course, no direct lies. 'Any Elf would be satisfied with his pronunciation.' I love pedantic Legolas. And, ironically, I can just imagine him being unexpectedly serious about things that would cause hobbits to stare at him blankly before exchanging glances and shaking their heads! And Frodo and Sam are brave enough to stand there while a minstrel sings to them - I suppose. ". . minstrels often do not meet the subjects of their lays." He shrugged and smiled wistfully. "We are only seen by them when we sing." Sad. On the edge of great events, but not part of them. Listened to, but not heard. There, but not seen. Although, of course, that can be a good thing. Author Reply: "On the edge of great events, but not part of them. Listened to, but not heard. There, but not seen. Although, of course, that can be a good thing." I have been walking a fine line between what I would *like* to see happen (e.g. Farohan and Frodo having a rich and close friendship during Frodo's stay in Minas Tirith and Ithilien), and what is more likely to happen (no guarantee of a meeting, much less a friendship). It is very much as you say, I think. Minstrels fill a function, a purpose as communicators, and so while they may be privy to all sorts of news, gossip, reports, Kings' words, etc., they are not the movers and shakers of things either. A peculiar position, absolutely. Useful, absolutely. But perhaps a little lonely too... On another note, however, I think Frodo and Sam were seated on the throne by Aragorn before the minstrel started to sing. I didn't mention it in this chapter, but they are sitting (a lot more comfortable than standing!) during the lay. | |
| Mariole | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/2/2005 |
| Oh, you have wounded _me_ with sweet words! You closed with my very favorite quote out of Tolkien ever. I just adored this, and am very glad to see we'll get a little more. I like how gracious Menelor was in returning the task to Farohan. This, however, brought the tears: "But then, to his lasting surprise and delight, both Merry and Pippin bowed to him deeply, in the strange manner of hobbits." How fitting, and how wonderful! This is a gorgeous story, GentleHobbit. Thank you for posting it! Author Reply: I don't know if it is my most favourite quotation or not, for there are so many passages from Tolkien that are very meaningful and that can wound just as sweetly, but I do love it very much, and, after all, it is what started me exploring and writing this story. I am thrilled to hear that it *is* your favourite quotation, and that you adore this chapter. That means a lot to me. | |
| GamgeeFest | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| Oh, that was lovely! You redeemed Menelor here, with his "speech" to Farohan. Reminded me more of a father/son relationship than mentor/pupil. I imagine it was quite stressing for him to have to go to Aragorn when he did and tell him that Farohan hadn't written anything; and he had the grace to admit that Farohan's was the better lay. I'm so glad to see there's a little more coming. :) Author Reply: I have respected and liked Menelor from the beginning, but I also tried to write him in such a way that, as can happen in real life when we don't know the motives or "the whole story", he doesn't always seem to be a sympathetic character, or even likeable. I'm glad that this approach seemed right to you. | |
| pebbles66 | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| Absolutely beautiful chapter! Author Reply: Thank you! | |