Ah, they do know proper fare here, don't they? And the best sauce for it all is the love with which it's served, I'll be bound.
One of my favorites here, I think.
Author's reply
Oooh! I came back from Thanksgiving dinner with my Dad and found that the review fairy had visited! :-D
Poor Rosie is just a little nervous that, after his travels, Sam will find life in the Shire dull and commonplace, but he is far too wise for that. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Larner
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 21: Full Complement (Faramir)
And do they know their foray is largely doomed, I wonder? But they will do their duty.
Author's reply
Yes, I think they know. Tolkien says Faramir took with him whoever could be spared and was willing to go. If the leaders were unwilling to order anyone to go on that mission, it must have been seen as a very risky.
Thanks for commenting!
Larner
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 22: Area of Study (Radagast)
The crow has little respect for learning, perhaps, but much for the wizard, and with reason; for this wizard has respect for all!
Larner
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 28: Salt Caravan (Boromir)
So--is this how it is that Aragorn came to travel through the far south where stars are strange?
Author's reply
No, this is another of my weird AU ideas, lol! Boromir survives Amon Hen but, in his shame, exiles himself from Gondor, going as far away as possible.
Thanks for commenting!
Ah, how perfect--Imrahil swimming with his nephews within the sea!
Author's reply
I love Imrahil and wish that Tolkien had let us see more of him and more of his relationship with his nephews.
Larner
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 25: A Near Thing (OC)
And so it was he survived for a time--a short time, at least.
Wonderful image.
Author's reply
This was written as an AU version of events where Theodred survives the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. So maybe he lives to a ripe old age (providing he survives the rest of the War).
Thanks for your review!
Larner
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 24: The Sharpest Vinegar (Lobelia Sackville-Baggins)
It is too bad that she did wait so long to prove that she was of the finest vintage, and to so earn some level of respect from those about her.
Author's reply
And it must have hurt her so to realize how low her darling Lotho had sunk. I recall that she leaves and goes back to her own family, when I would rather have seen her find some measure of peace by helping to set things to rights in Hobbiton.
Thanks for commenting!
Larner
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 23: Burning Your Bridges (Faramir)
How did I miss this one? And I can certainly see your logic and appreciate it.
Yes, it would be for Faramir to actually destroy the bridge, even as both regretted the necessity of it.
Very good!
Author's reply
I am glad you liked this! Yes, the brothers were probably very sorry to destroy something that had stood for so long and was so well-crafted.
Ah--a wonderful look at one of the details from LOTR, that black horses had consistently been stolen from the Rohirrim by the folk of Mordor to serve Sauron's needs. How did I miss this one?
Author's reply
I always wondered about the fate of those horses. The poor things would have hated it in Mordor (not that anyone would like it there). Thanks so much for reviewing!
Tari
· 26 October 2007
· Chapter 18: An Unexpected Party (Thorin)
You weren't thinking of the seven dwarves were you? Tehehehehe. I think I shall enjoy your drabbles very much.
Tari
Author's reply
No, not at all! Thanks for commenting!
Larner
· 6 October 2007
· Chapter 30: The Horses of Eorl (Radagast, Eomer)
Marvelous, Branwyn. Yes, more captives given aid and comfort.
Author's reply
I am glad you liked this! I like to think that at least some of those poor horses survived to be liberated and returned to their home.
A sneak preview of your upcoming MEFA review, because I love this drabble with the fierce power of a thousand burning suns.
When I first began to write, I was taught this definition of a drabble: “A complete story, told in exactly 100 words, with a twist or kick at the end.” By that standard (or just about any other imaginable), "Blackest Fate" is as perfect a drabble as can be.
We are immediately pulled into the story of the two prisoners and their torment. But who are they? Who are their captors? The words black-haired men are troubling: surely neither elves nor dark-haired men of Numenorean descent would treat their captives so. Would they?
The mood changes fleetingly in the second paragraph, as the prisoners seek consolation in shared memories of happier times. If there is anywhere a lovelier phrase than resting where clear water washed the flat stones, I don’t think I’ve encountered it. Galloping through the grass as it bowed before the wind finally gives us a hint as to the identity of the prisoners and the dark forces who have captured them.
Reaching through the bars, each gently searched for the other’s face…
There's achingly lovely imagery here, as the mysterious prisoners exchange compassion and encouragement, until the black muzzles brushed together. Then pow! as the identity of the prisoners is finally revealed. I had to stop, catch my breath, then read it all again.
Dead to their Riders and kindred, at least they two could share this evil doom. Honorable, courageous, and loyal, Branwyn’s Rohirric steeds are just as heroic and unforgettable as their Riders. An amazing piece of writing. *stands and applauds the wondrous Branwyn*
Bodkin
· 1 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Horses of Eorl (Radagast, Eomer)
I can see the Rohirrim offering as much - or more - care to the liberated horses as to the men. Bringing in Radagast! Well. Sign of real devotion.
Just about the best compliment Beorn could give!!!
Agape4Gondor
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 25: A Near Thing (OC)
Beautiful descriptions - I don't remember well the First Battle but I thought Theodred did, indeed, die there?
I am probably woefully wrong! As I said though, beautiful descriptions... and it took my breath away - the uses of a book!
Agape4Gondor
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 24: The Sharpest Vinegar (Lobelia Sackville-Baggins)
I was at a conference this week-end in Salt Lake City and one of the speakers suggested that Lobelia was one of the villains of the book. I stood up and defended her - I like this tale very much! She might have been cantankerous and full of 'vinegar' but she stood up to the ruffians, unlike many of the other folk of the Shire! Bless her.
Glad you decided to write about her this way!
Agape4Gondor
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 23: Burning Your Bridges (Faramir)
This seemed slightly 'bass-ackwards' to me.
Boromir, as Captain-general, would have given the command, unless this is movie-based with Faramir as Captain of Osgiliath. And wouldn't Faramir follow Boromir - not vice versa?
I liked the descriptions, however.
Author's reply
The computer ate my reply, so I will try this again.
No, this isn't intended as movie version. Remember that they have been involved in very different types of warfare, with Boromir leading the conventional defense while Faramir conducts partisan warfare in occupied territory. Faramir would have more experience demolishing bridges, plus he would probably know more about bridge engineering and physics (Boromir would have been daydreaming during that part of their lessons). He is the logical man for the job. Just because he is in charge of taking down the bridge doesn't imply that he is the ranking officer present.
Thanks for reviewing!
Agape4Gondor
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 21: Full Complement (Faramir)
OH MY!
'Never was there a greater compliment than this.'
I don't believer I've ever read a Treebeard wedding fiction before. It is such an interesting thing to think on as it would have happened so very long ago in his histroy. I enjoyed this very much.