curiouswombat · 2 January 2014 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
I am so glad that the Snowflake Challenge brought me here - this is such an excellent ghost story!
The Fords of Isen by Branwyn
Reviews (16)
Elflingimp · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
I know you are not writing anymore but I must say you do weave a good tale! Hugs The Imp
mistry89 · 10 November 2007 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
Directed here by just_ann_now. Thank you - a "better" ending for the two I wish had not died (if that makes sense?).
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! Sometimes you just have to fix things yourself. :-)
Stefania · 7 December 2006 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
You kept the action going beautifully in this story, Branwyn. I felt like the youngster, listening eagerly as his grandfather ratcheted up the tension, from the orc attack to his eery rescue by friendly spirits. Perennially dripping Boromir was both chilling and funny. Cold hands providing warm healing is a nice, novel touch. - Steff
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the kind review! Yes, poor Boromir finds himself in rather changed circumstances. :-)
Larner · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
What a fascinating ghost story, and so very wonderfully told, Ann. I've missed reading your work lately, and this is so wonderful a tale.
Author's reply
This was one of those piece that very badly wanted to be written and seemed to write itself (if only all of them were like that!) Thanks for your kind comments!
Daynawayna · 28 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
That was awesome, Branwyn! What a wonderful tale, beautifully told.
Nilmandra · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
What a great tale! I love the idea of this in the tradition of the Barrows in the north, only these were friendly, helpful spirits. I also love how the old woman couldn't stop herself from asking what happened next several times!
Elena Tiriel · 23 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
Hi Branwyn, Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this story! I don't often read ghost stories, but this one was a real treat -- very Rohirric! - Barbara
Author's reply
I am happy to hear that you liked the story and especially happy to hear that you thought it was in keeping with the culture of Rohan. I enjoyed writing it--that old Rider was much easier to write than my usual Gondorians. :-)
Maid of Ithilien · 22 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
I can't add much to the other comments, but what a great story!
Author's reply
Thanks for the kind review! It was a fun story to write. :-)
Wyvern · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
G'Day, Just finished this tale and I found it very entertaining. An excellent re-working of a traditional ghost story scenario and motifs into Tolkein's world. This is surely an original idea, I don't think I have seen anything like it done before.
Author's reply
I wasted many, many hours of my childhood reading ghost stories, so I thought it might be fun to write one set in MiddleEarth. I am glad that you enjoyed reading the resulting story. Thanks so much for commenting!
daw the minstrel · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
What a great read, Branwyn! I was as absorbed in the story as Elfwine. You did a nice job of letting us guess the identities of the ghosts but still keeping things mysterious. I particularly liked the detail that water poured off of Boromir.
Author's reply
Thank you for writing, and I am glad that you liked my ghost story. Yes, poor Boromir is in rather changed circumstances, though he seems to have adapted well. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
I *love* this! A ghost story where the ghosts aren't evil but helpful is unusual, but very effective. The story still has an eerie, chilling atmosphere though - well done! I think that Théodred would have preferred a whole cask of ale though, rather than just one cup! Jay
Author's reply
Thanks for your kind comments! If I succeeded in creating an eerie story, then I am happy. :-) I think that Théodred would have preferred a whole cask of ale though, rather than just one cup! LOL! As I wrote that scene, I was thinking, "So I am ending this story with a keg party in a graveyard..."
Bodkin · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
What a terrific story. Boromir and Theodred are just as great dead. Although being constantly dripping must be a bit of a trial. The touch of oysters attaching themselves to Boromir's shield was delightful. I really enjoyed seeing these two catch up with each other - they must hope for regular orc attacks on the Fords of Isen, just to give them something to occupy them. Great background, too - the whole build-up of disapproving grandmother getting drawn into the story, the loom, the cold floor, the blanket. And the real horror of the times and the attack on the farm, that set off a pair of ghosts who were the heroes of the day. Loved it.
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind comments. Although being constantly dripping must be a bit of a trial. The touch of oysters attaching themselves to Boromir's shield was delightful. Poor, waterlogged Boromir! :-D After lying at the bottom of the sea for so long, he has undergone a sea change of sorts. I thought of the verse Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made... You are right that those two will become bored without anything to fight. After the neighborhood has been rid of orcs, trolls, and wargs, maybe they can help to train the local soldiery? I am glad that you enjoyed this story!
Linda Hoyland · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
I just loved the way you built up the tension here,a perfect ghost story for a chilly night.You do Tolkien proud !
Author's reply
You do Tolkien proud ! Thank you so much--I can think of no higher praise than that. :-)
Raksha The Demon · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
Ooooh, what a lovely ghost story! I almost feel sorry for the Orcs - they must have had such a shock when Theodred awakened to do some house-cleaning. Theodred and Boromir are the cutest, sweetest ghosts, despite the bad odors (which they couldn't help). I loved their conversation, old friends talking of battles, and their full, rather ironic knowledge of their own deaths. And the details, the physical description of Thorstan's house and its inhabitants, are marvelous. I'm soooooooooo glad that Thorstan's mare was smart enough to keep out of the Orcs' reach.
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind review! I almost feel sorry for the Orcs - they must have had such a shock when Theodred awakened to do some house-cleaning. Hee, hee! I am sure he was more than a little annoyed to wake up and see their ugly faces. Talk about cranky first thing in the morning... I'm soooooooooo glad that Thorstan's mare was smart enough to keep out of the Orcs' reach. No way was I going to let those orcs hurt the poor horse! :-D
annmarwalk · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Fords of Isen
This is such a wonderful tale, and a memorable gift - thank you so much! I love the little details that demonstrate so well your devotion to your craft: the grandmother's weaving and the noises of her loom; when she stops pretending not to listen and sits down by the fire to listen to the tale, keeping her hands busy; the care that Prince Theodred takes to clean his weaponry after the battle. Little things like that make the story extraordinarily vivid. The friendly, teasing encounter between Boromir and Theodred is just perfect - two old friends, reunited after a long absence, catching up on the details of each other's life (and death).
Author's reply
You are welcome, and the pleasure was mine--it was great fun to write a story about those two ghosts. Since there is no stainless steel cutlery in MiddleEarth, Prince Theodred takes care to clean the sword to keep it from rusting (he may be dead, but he's no slacker). I am happy that you enjoyed your birthday story!