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The Young Knights  by Soledad 42 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/28/2006
I'm not laughing. I just hope the hangover cure had a really lingering aftertaste. Poor Herumor! Madenn was very cheerful about looking after him.

All the ransoming is very complicated - and enough to put those with limited resources off taking part in tournaments. Although I suppose it is also a way of acquiring wealth for those who are very skilled but not rich.

Liahan did well - but Benead didn't respond with knightly courtesy. That could have been a nasty outcome! While Faramir has a hankering for golden Rohirric shieldmaidens already.

Author Reply: Yes, ransoming was a complicated custom - and torunaments part of a knight's yearly income. They could get rich or ruined in a matter of minutes, which was a reason why they preferred wartime, in which they were at least needed.

Benead, yeah... these OCs and their families keep popping up without a warning. It's a good thing the story is almost done, or else I'd have to write down long lists for the people of Lossarnach as well. *shudders*

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 19 on 12/27/2006
Faramir's big day is well-written, his anticipation, Idis' giving him the kiss and token, his meeting with the young man who will one day be under his command in Ithilien, and his excellent showing with the bow. There was probably more pressure, or at least expectation, for Faramir to do well, as the Steward's son, then there was for the other boys, but he stood up to it and showed his quality.

Squeeeee for young Faramir!


The action and customs of the tournament were credible and interesting, as always.

Author Reply: Thanks. Look out for more Anborn later. ;))

StefaniaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/26/2006
Why Soledad, this is a wonderful story so far. It held my interest so much that I read four chapters in one sitting--unusual for an antsy reader like myself.

Though I expected a story entitled "The Young Knights" to be of the action/adventure genre, what you have given us so far is a well-drawn family drama. The Steward and his sons are so nicely characterized. I especially love your less nasty, more well-rounded Denethor. Your attention to details is also very good, particularly the heraldry of the knights and the vivid description of the walled town.

I am eager to continue on with this tale and see how it unfolds.

- Steff

Author Reply: Thank you. :))

There will be slightly more action later, although less adventure, more a more-or-less regular medieval tournament. There will also be some romance, a little intrigue and even fun. I hope you'll like it.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/19/2006
A splendid event! I like Madenn and Achren cheering for Herumor - and Idis uttering Rohirric battle cries in support of her brother.

Author Reply: Well, Éowyn was not the only daughter of the Mark who could appreciate a good fight, I deem. *g*

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 16 on 12/19/2006
Splendid ceremony.

And Achren and Madenn attended him in his bath? This has the tang of real life as opposed to the Victoria ideas of medievalism!



Author Reply: Thanks. :)
Several sources seem to indicate that the Middle Ages were far less prudish than the centuries that came after them. Besides, they were the closest female blood relatives Herumor had. I somehow felt they would not allow the servants to take care of him on this all-important day.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/19/2006
Oh dear - Lady Almaren's maid listening in. Well - that will get the betrothal announced quicker than you can say 'wink'. I daresay the poisonous lady can't wait to get rid of the both daughters in one sweep.

And Morwen has given her approval - and announced her intentions regarding Elphir. (I think those around them should pay attention!)

I love the sword! And what better sign of approval for Herumor?

Author Reply: Yep, there will be many more intrigues before this story ends. And Elphir would better be careful with Morwen on the hunt. *g*

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 14 on 12/19/2006
Liahan is such a sweet child. And very responsible.

Good to see that Orchaldor is held in so much respect - and that his son is so happy to see him. I love the description of the wecoming committee! So much formality and colour and yet affection and warmth too.

And Forlong's little son sounds a cute kid.

Author Reply: You will see more of Liahan on the second day of the tournament. Yes, he *is* sweet, but he is also a warrior-in-training, albeit a small one. He's going to show his other side, soon.

UnicornReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/18/2006
Thank you Soledad for a spendid Christmas gift or, I hope, rather 24 different ones :-)).
How nice to meet Boromir and Faramir in their youth and what a good start to make Faramir and Morween "introduce" the arriving parties in this informative way. And as always we can enjoy your knowledge, this time regarding the heraldic symbols.

phyloxenaReviewed Chapter: 14 on 12/15/2006
I like the changes on tempo and light in this story, between crisp sunlight of the meeting and night in the Prince's bedchamber. It's very visual. And, interestingly, the images of this story are very different from the way I visualize LotR (rather watercolor, grey and green), but feel right. And I like your original characters and the way you balance their appearances with that of canonic ones.

Author Reply: Thanks. :)
Using so many original characters is a tricky thing, as people - understandably enough - want to see their favourites, usually. I'm glad I could make you feel my bunch of hardy men of Gondor. ;))

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 13 on 12/15/2006
Priavel and his apprentices? family? team? seem to be very good at their job - and I'm not surprised they were excited at the prospect of making it big in Dol Amroth. (I notice there was no suggestion of Minas Tirith making a good destination for minstrels!) And they provided an excellent performance for Faramir and his big brother. Faramir must be having the time of his life here!

And Hurin has proposed! Not a lot of passion, of course - they hardly know each other - and marriage is far too important for declarations of love, but what he said was very touching. What more can he offer than himself and his loyalty, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty? I'm glad Achren is sensible enough to demand thinking time - and that he wants it to be her choice rather than her father's.

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