Birthday Drabbles and Suchlike by annmarwalk
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 6: The Scents of the Place
Sweet and loving.
Author's reply
Thank you! For a long time I was writing most descriptive pieces, like this; I'm a bit more confident of my skills now, but those descriptive/introspective pieces are still very enjoyable for me to write.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Courtship
Obviously Eomer and Lothiriel, and very, very lovely. Love the meeting and the imagery of both sides.
Author's reply
Lothiriel is such a blank slate, and I've seen her written in many different ways, but the image I prefer is a fairy-tale kind of a princess, instantly (and, yes, conveniently) smitten with a handsome young king, as I happily wrote here.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 4: Skilled With A Needle
It's nice to see that Eowyn has a hand on both sides of her life. So often she is depicted as incapable of doing feminine things, and I suspect, as you've written, that she was indeed capable of sewing as well as swordcraft.
Author's reply
Most definitely capable of both; and now in her maturity able to see that both kinds of skills would have an important place in her life. (Since you reminded me of other drabbles I'd forgotten to post, you might want to look at "Rising to the Challenge" when you get a chance - there's a drabble there that's a sort of counterpoint to this one.)
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Small Gifts
Just beautiful!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kindness. A very, very early attempt, and characters I've never written before (or since). I like the idea of Aragorn, secretive by nature and after many years, having his heart warmed by his friend's thoughtfulness.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Kindred Spirits
Ah, the joy of vicarious fatherhood. And the question is so apt--why do so many who do not deserve or appreciate what they have end up with the children we others would love to have? Wonderful tale.
Author's reply
It does seem cruelly unfair, doesn't it? And of all the gifts of this world which the Maiar (apparently) were able to share, it is just this one that would cause Gandalf a moment of regret.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Natural History
Oh, such a tender moment. Bee eaters are so beautiful, according to their pictures. We have hummingbirds here, which are delightful, but no bee eaters.
Author's reply
I too live in the land of hummingbirds, though they are few and far between this year after our cold rainy spring. I've never seen a bee-eater; I was imagining Ithilien as a Mediterranean-latitude sort of place; looked up "Birds of Italy" and selected the name that best fit the rhythym of the line! So much for research!
Branwyn · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Birdsong
I loved little Faramir's description of Boromir as the one who excelled at all things. Sounds like most older brothers, LOL! Good thing their father was there to save Boromir's infallible reputation! Sad that Boromir has so few happy memories of his father with his younger brother that he treasures this "harmonious" (couldn't resist the pun!) moment.
Author's reply
I've been writing mean, grumpy Denethor this week, so I was a bit surprised when he weaseled his way so sweetly into this! But happy to give him the opportunity to look good. Yes, it sure appears that those memories would have been few and far between, doesn't it? Poor Boromir!
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 14: A Good Prognosis
I just finished dinner and you've made me hungry again. I'm with Merry. What's this light diet stuff?
Author's reply
I remember my own experience with surgery; it had been postponed from midmorning to late afternoon. By the time I came out of it, I was starving. I literally roared the same thing Merry said - "What do you mean, light diet?" They had to scramble to find me a peanut butter sandwich!
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 11: Mag the Cook Remembers Boromir
Lovely flashing glimpse of Boromir, laughing, charming the servants, tossing sugared almonds in his mouth.
Author's reply
Ah, that golden boy - who could resist his charm? Not that Faramir wouldn't have been beloved as well, but I picture him as smaller and shyer, less outgoing, but no less thoughtful and interested in the people around him. Those upstairs/downstairs kinds of scenes must have been quite interesting... (*Ann sees plotbunny peeking impishly around corner, and runs to get a broom* Shoo!)
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 10: Mourning Cloak
Oh my. I have a number of widowed friends, and they all miss being touched. I think that's one reason many of them treasure their pets so. That glimpse of Denethor with the fur was so sad.
Author's reply
Thank you! I feel for him, for the warmth and companionship he so sorely missed, and the loss that had such a devastating impact on so many lives.
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 9: Young Elboron's Tale (With Guest Appearances by Elladan and Elrohir)
That line about "another small boy seeking tales" sent a shiver through me. I guess I wasn't expecting it.
Author's reply
I was thinking of Aragorn when I wrote it; but since then I've read other stories chronicling the responsibility Elrond took upon himself for the care of Isildur's heirs. There would have been a long line of dark-haired boys growing up in Imladris, being taught by Elladan and Elrohir.
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 7: Passion
You evoke the scene so well! I can see the crush and color of the ball, and also the secret, passionate glance between husband and wife, all the more charged because they can't do anything about it for a while!
Author's reply
Thank you! Another holiday gift for my Denethor-fangurl friend. It was a pleasure to know exactly what would please her, and so come up with the perfect gift - I'm very glad you enjoyed it as well.
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 6: The Scents of the Place
Smells are very evocative, they say, and hard to capture in writing. This is lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you again! I wrote this back in midwinter; it was very comforting that day to think about gardening! Today it is 96 degrees, and everything is wilting from the heat; but I suppose that is the way of things with gardens - never perfect.
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Courtship
Ah, Eomer. I've always liked that line about how he was young, and he was king. But as you say, he was also in a strange place. It's odd to think of him with Lothiriel. He seems so solid and she comes from that elfish stock.
Author's reply
Attraction of opposites? or fascination with the strange and exotic, on both their parts.
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 4: Skilled With A Needle
I love Faramir's fascination with his wife and the sense that he will never know her completely.
Author's reply
Our spouses don't ever know us completely, do they? ;) and growing up motherless, in fact without any female relatives at all, the whole world of womanliness would have been a mystery to him. How wonderful that he finally has time, and peace, to learn about that world!
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Kindred Spirits
I love Faramir. He's my favorite Tolkien character. And this suggests exactly why. He's clever and good and poignant. I had never thought of this from Gandalf's POV though.
Author's reply
With all the many years he spent among men (and hobbits) I can't help but wonder if Gandalf would have found something to envy. And who doesn't love admiration, wouldn't respond to it with affection and delight?
daw the minstrel · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Natural History
I'm sitting here this afternoon, looking for something to read, and I came upon this beautiful series of drabbles. This is richly evocative picture of Ithilien and the relationship between the two campers.
Author's reply
Sitting looking for something to read....I'm so glad you stopped here! Thank you for your kind words. I'm sure it was very satisfying for Faramir to see fair Ithilien restored to such peace that he and his small grandson could wander safely and share its beauty.
Raksha The Demon · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 15: Where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also
This is a great little piece. The contrast between Denethor, who seems now to have practically everything any man could want - heirship to the greatest realm in the West, a beloved wife and now a perfect newborn son - and poor Thorongil, who has a broken sword and the true kingship of that realm but can't claim the latter, is wonderful. I feel so sorry for Thorongil, who has spent all his life on the outside looking in on others who have been able to make good lives and have their own families...
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha, for your kind words! Full credit for the inspiration goes to Gwynnyd, and her lovely story "Midsummer Forfeit", at HASA (and this drabble is a spoiler, sorry!) This scene would never have occurred to me without reading her story. I think Avon, too, may have touched on the theme of Aragorn the Outsider, defending the simple lives of his people, unsung and unblessed. A sad theme, but a noteworthy one.
mirthor · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 15: Where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also
How sad to imagine how long he waited for this. Is he watching just anyone, or Denethor with Boromir? Or is he in Rohan?
Author's reply
Yes, in his guise of Thorongil, he is watching Denethor treasuring his newborn son. I carried such a lovely image of this scene in my head for the past week, without sitting down to work out all the details. We tend to think of the longing for a child being a woman's part; but in this case so many hopes and dreams were riding on Aragorn, it's a bit sad and painful to think about his fears for the future.
Branwyn · 21 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Siege Cookery
I enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at the cook's preparations for the seige. She has done her part, and the City may fall to battering rams but it will not fall to hunger! The potted meat and the herbal pest-repellant are nice, historically-accurate touches.
Author's reply
Thank you, thank you! *curtseys on Mag's behalf*
Branwyn · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Mag the Cook Remembers Boromir
Boromir would just have to have a sweet tooth because it is such a loveable vice, showing the slightest weakness and lack of self control in this stern warrior. Besides, he is a big man and deeds of errantry burn up a lot of calories so he would often be hungry! The old cook loves him dearly so she spoils him as best she can. I can see Faramir standing at a table in the corner, covered with flour, struggling at this unfamiliar task while the routine of the kitchen bustles on around him. I like the theme of this drabble--that we cook for those we love. :-)
Author's reply
Mag the Cook is my real Mary-Sue. I wouldn't have stood a chance against the fair young things of Minas Tirith, but in the kitchen, I would have ensnared Boromir's heart forever.
mirthor · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Family Traditions
I've just read all your drabbles here - thanks for sharing your talent, they are wonderful. Such fine imagery with such a small amount of words. And the subject matter is my favorite (our three Hurin men), so you can't beat that. Any chance for more of Boromir? More of Denethor and Faramir are always cherished, as well.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I realized this morning that I have been very remiss in getting my drabbles posted here, a situation I plan to remedy this weekend, if all goes well. So please do check back! Ann
Raksha The Demon · 27 December 2004 · Chapter 6: The Scents of the Place
Oh, my. That's a very fragrant drabble! You can certainly do a lot with 100 well-chosen words!
Author's reply
Ah, thanks! I know my mind wanders when I'm working in the garden. I think that Eowyn, newly awakened to an awareness of her senses, would have been doing all kinds of exploring and delighting in the results.
Raksha The Demon · 26 December 2004 · Chapter 2: Kindred Spirits
Awwwwww. I loved this. I've always thought that Gandalf had a very special place in his heart for a few people, and that Faramir, like Frodo, was one of them. You sum it up brilliantly in 100 words.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it - you inspired it ! - in your comments to nrink over at The Phrygian Flute. Has she updated that lately, do you know?
Branwyn · 25 December 2004 · Chapter 10: Mourning Cloak
Ann, This is very fine! Though I have to admit that I read it and thought of a line from a Beatles' song -- "I see a red door/And I want to paint it black!" This line is so sad; he is in so much pain. Once, I caught a glimpse of my lord holding a bit of soft fur to his cheek, eyes closed; but then his face seemed to crumple, and he tossed the robe aside. What "useless chainmail"? Denethor says that he wears a coat of mail lest his body become weak with age. And protection from assassins would be another good reason to wear it (Sauron the Deceiver would not be above sending a knife-wielding agent to the Citadel). Branwyn
Author's reply
On the ROTK-EE costume commentary section, Ngila Dickson made some quite unkind comments concerning Movie!Denethor's character - this drabble is a response to her comments, putting the blame for what she called "flamboyant" costumes on his overzealous chamberlain. Thanks for catching exactly what I meant about the fur, and poor Denethor's longing and loneliness for the warmth and softness he lost.