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Branwyn's Bijoux by Branwyn | 39 Review(s) |
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shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/20/2008 |
“It smells like words here,” Faramir told him What a wonderful scene. I hope Faramir spent much of his later years enjoying uninterrupted time with his beloved scrolls, books, and lore, and taught his children to love "the smell of words". Author Reply: Both Gandalf and Faramir suffer much hardship in their lives, so I liked to think of them sharing some peaceful moments. Thanks so much for commenting! | |
annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/20/2008 |
What a great story! There's so much to love here I hardly know where to begin. The top of his head barely reached the wizard’s belt, and perched on his silky hair was a tiny version of a scholar’s cap. What fabulous imagery! How could Faramir be any more adorable? I can just imagine Nanny smiling to herself as she stitches that tiny cap. Or would Denethor have ordered it for him as a surprise gift (SQUEE!) “We must go through Poetry and Ballistics to get to the lower archive.” “That sounds like a highly dangerous course, but I have great faith in my guide,” the wizard said as he hurried after him. Faramir walked quickly, almost at a trot, and at times he bounded ahead then circled back to wait for the wizard. Omigosh, now he's Faramir-as-a-golden-retriever-puppy! You did find a way to make him even more adorable! “It smells like words here,” Faramir told him, and the darkness of the archive seemed to lessen at the sound of his voice... The wizard placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and could feel the warmth and tremulous spirit, as quick as the flutter of wings, that were bound in his flesh. Ok, all kidding aside, I had to catch my breath here, because this is just perfect. All Faramir's youthful love of lore, and brightness and energy and joy he radiates just filling up the room, and Gandalf's recognition and affection for him as a kindred soul - oh, my, oh, my. You know, it's these tiny, perfect gems of stories, written by masterful authors like you, that continually renew my faith in our fandom. Thank you so much for continuing to share moments like these with us! | |
Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/20/2008 |
I enjoyed this very much. A lovely glimpse of Gandalf and Faramir. Author Reply: I am glad you liked it, but what's not to like about young Faramir? :) Thank you for commenting! | |
Vardav | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/23/2007 |
Delightfully done! Thank you from the Valar Guild for a thoughtful story for the tenth anniversary. That was also a subtle and marvelous way of honoring some of our members who are soldiers in real life who have to leave for a while and then return to game with us again. Author Reply: Thanks to you, gracious Varda, and to the members of the Valar Guild for creating a cozy place for gamers, writers, and readers to meet! Author Reply: Edit--Here is the current website address for the Valar Guild-- Valar Guild | |
Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/21/2007 |
What I love most about this most excellent vignette is the sense of much of Middle-earth encapsulated in a small provincial inn - the mysterious hard-traveling Rangers, the hobbits, the dwarves, the Men of Bree; all involved in one way or another with an old and sophisticated game that speaks of ancient power. Well done! And extra points for wonderful characterisation of Butterbur. Author Reply: In ROTK, Gandalf and Pippin converse using a chess metaphor which makes it clear that hobbits and wizards, at least, are familiar with the game. I thought it was reasonable to assume that it was played throughout MiddleEarth (just as during the Middle Ages in the real world, it was played throughout Europe, the Mideast, and parts of Asia). Poor Butterbur is in for such a surprise when he learns the true identity Thanks so much for the kind review! Author Reply: Let me try this again without the cat walking across the keyboard! In ROTK, Gandalf and Pippin converse using a chess metaphor which makes it clear that hobbits and wizards, at least, are familiar with the game. I thought it was reasonable to assume that it was played throughout MiddleEarth (just as during the Middle Ages in the real world, it was played throughout Europe, the Mideast, and parts of Asia). Poor Butterbur is in for such a surprise when he learns the true identity of Strider. I wonder what, if any, role the innkeeper played in the fighting against the ruffians in Bree at the end of the War? He would be in a natural position to help organize and supply the effort, if not lead it. Thanks so much for the kind review! | |
phyloxena | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/21/2007 |
I love this one! And amazed how you managed to write such a short piece to feel so slow. It has very much the feeling of 'The Smith of Wutton Major' -- Barliman is much the same type as old cook, he just lives closer to Fairy. Author Reply: I am glad you liked this! I did try to write in a meandering style since poor Barliman does take a while to think things through. :) | |
Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/21/2007 |
Ah, a marvelous vignette of sorts here, Branwyn. Yes, whether or not he knows it, this game is indeed one of at least ONE king-to-be he's acquainted with. Author Reply: Thanks for your kind comments! For someone as set in his ways as Butterbur, it must have been astonishing to learn that one of those shiftless rangers was the rightful king of Arnor and Gondor. :-D | |
RS | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/20/2007 |
This is wonderful. I really like this. I love the picture of Strider playing the "game of kings". Author Reply: I am glad you enjoyed this! Poor Strider wouldn't have had much time for leisure, but if the weather was too foul for travel or he was waiting for news from other rangers, I could see him passing the time in a game of chess. :) | |
meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/20/2007 |
This is nice. Butterbur is such a kind, innocent soul. Author Reply: I am glad you liked it! Butterbur IS kind and innocent--I can imagine him wishing that those rangers spent more on ale, but he would never think of turning them out in the cold. | |
Neilia | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/20/2007 |
If only Barliman knew about Strider's real identity. Great tale. Author Reply: When the returning hobbits tell Butterbur that Strider is now the king is one of my favorite moments in the LOTR. :-) His expression must have been priceless. Thanks for commenting! | |