Branwyn's Baubles by Branwyn
annmarwalk · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Envy (Grima)
Thought provoking, but an excellent portrait of Grima green with envy. Unfortunately, very topical, too - how many young men seek to build their self-esteem through malicious craft, or violence? :(
annmarwalk · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Herbs of Healing (Faramir)
Ooh, I like the visual contrast of the dark hair and blood-red flowers. Poor Faramir! That nice, mindless work, fresh air, and (maybe) sunshine did him a world of good.
annmarwalk · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 8: Old Farmhouse (Faramir)
Oh, I remember this! I read it and despaired of writing anything as lovely. All those flowering trees, and dreams of Ithilien, past and future.
mirthor · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 5: The Armorer (Faramir)
This represents well what Faramir probably went through for months or years after the war - running into reminders of Boromir everywhere he turned, making his home a living Hell. Another reason his title to Ithilien was a fitting gift.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind reviews! It is hard to imagine him staying in the Citadel. Too many ghosts--his father and brother would be constantly before him. The violent and shameful circumstances leading to their deaths would make it all the more difficult to bear.
mirthor · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Midwinter (Finduilas)
Cheerful, no - but thought-provoking indeed: I can imagine Fin having all the time in the world to discover that place where she could hear the sea - with her husband assumably rarely having time for her, though probably not by his own will. I can also see her taking the boys there & they themselves going there every year after her death to cut their own holly.
Author's reply
I imagined that at her childhood home in Dol Amroth, people would go together to gather holly in the woods. It would be a noisy,laughing party. Far away in the stone city, the only holly she can find is growing back behind the tombs. Still, she wants to continue the tradition, for herself and for her family. And you are right, an early draft of this drabble did have the boys with her when she went to cut the evergreens. :-) Thanks so much for writing!
mirthor · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 2: The Armsmaster (Boromir)
What a wonderful way to imagine the Captain General spending his days, rather than never to feel joy again.
Author's reply
Yes, I think he would take great satisfaction and joy in this work, and those lucky boys have the best martial arts instructor in Gondor, LOL!
Raksha The Demon · 9 February 2005 · Chapter 6: Alchemy (Feanor)
You and Feanor certainly have "chemistry" in the making of this poem! Fascinating look at the process of artistic creation, Noldor-style, in a poem. Very well done!
Raksha The Demon · 8 February 2005 · Chapter 5: The Armorer (Faramir)
Great vignette! I loved the detail about Boromir's pauldrons, the armorer's pride in his work, and the realization that just as Boromir won't return, he won't make anything that good again. And poor Faramir; knowing it too and missing his big brother.
Raksha The Demon · 8 February 2005 · Chapter 4: Midwinter (Finduilas)
Excellent and very evocative drabble. You have a marvelous command of language and tone. And I learned a new word, "soughing".
Author's reply
You thought this was Chapter 14--faked you out, didn't I? :-D B.
Drake · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 1: Dragons and Shadows (Faramir, Eowyn)
Wow, Branwyn! Eowyn's myth about the lunar eclipse is spectacular, and so Rohirric in nature. I'd say you must be an expert on their culture to come up with that. It's pure genious! :)
Author's reply
Drake-- I am especially happy that you, of all people, would like this! No expert but I am good at borrowing, LOL--I remembered the dragon with his hoarded treasure in "Beowulf." Thanks for writing! Branwyn
daw the minstrel · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Midwinter (Finduilas)
Geez. Poor Finduilas. I can only imagine how much she missed her home.
daw the minstrel · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 3: The Muster of Rohan (OC)
This made me laugh. Men are the same everywhere, I think.
daw the minstrel · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 2: The Armsmaster (Boromir)
OK. I have to admit my ignorance. Who's the Armsmaster?
Author's reply
Boromir lives!! (So I figured he needed some sort of gainful employment, preferably in a remote location.) Branwyn
daw the minstrel · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 1: Dragons and Shadows (Faramir, Eowyn)
You know, Branwyn, you're very good with images. And here you use them nicely to evoke emotions.
Author's reply
Thanks for your kind review! I wrote this after my husband and I watched the lunar eclipse last month--that is always an eerie thing to watch! Branwyn
annmarwalk · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 2: The Armsmaster (Boromir)
Much,much clearer now that you have adjusted the names a bit to reduce confusion. A nice addition to my favorite genre, BoromirLives! Thank you for the lovely gift.
Author's reply
Ann, I am so glad you found these over here! Now I must admit my ignorance--when I wrote the first draft of this, I did not know that Barahir was Faramir's grandson. I just thought it was a good-sounding name to use in my drabble (and much confusion ensued). Oops! Branwyn
annmarwalk · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Midwinter (Finduilas)
Bittersweet, yet perfect for the season and this chill grey evening.
Bodkin · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 1: Dragons and Shadows (Faramir, Eowyn)
I like this. Gondor is so practical and worthy, whereas Rohan is joyous and imaginative. Although Gondor is, of course, right. But I like Eowyn's explanation better.
Raksha The Demon · 20 November 2004 · Chapter 3: The Muster of Rohan (OC)
"Ride now to the White Pig" - Giggle. Snorfle. Very cute!