Tari
· 20 March 2009
· Chapter 68: A Horn of Special Magnificence (Vorondil)
So, this is how Boromir’s horn came into being. Sounds good to me. The kine had a much more noble purpose than might be imagined.
I am always amazed at the time and amount of research you put into your stories and we get to reap the rewards.
Author's reply
Yes - I suppose one could say the kine died 'gloriously.'
I whine about the research, but I find the most interesting things while doing it - that my world has really expanded!
And I do love the research - it's just that - sometimes it means it takes forever to write what I want...
Many thanks for the review. Glad it 'sounds good' to you!
shirebound
· 20 March 2009
· Chapter 68: A Horn of Special Magnificence (Vorondil)
I love seeing the origins of things! Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. It was fun to consider....
Tari
· 2 December 2008
· Chapter 67: Estrangement - A Double Drabble (Denethor/Faramir)
I think it is very possible that Sauron caused the estrangement between Denethor and Boromir. It would just be one more way to reach his goal.
Once again, you bring out Denethor's love for both his sons which some fail to see.
Author's reply
Thanks Tari - I'm glad you can 'accept' Denethor's love for his sons. I cannot imagine him sitting vigil over Faramir whilst Minas Tirith was under attack, if he did not love the boy beyond reason!
6336
· 29 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Estrangement - A Double Drabble (Denethor/Faramir)
Oh, deffinatly whispers of Sauron as soon as Denethor started using the Palintir. I wonder if some of the estrangement was on Faramirs part too, staying away so he would not be hurt by what his father said to him.
That Fallen Maia has a lot to answer for, would love to be a fly on the wall at his trial!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I truly hope there would be a trial for this *%_@#%^*%
Though Melkor got sent off into the stars somewhere. I wonder if he ever felt sorry for what he'd done. The same seems true for his minion.
Glad you enjoyed this but I really can't write more - at least till 10,000 and Sword are complete... but thanks for the vote of confidence!
Larner
· 29 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Estrangement - A Double Drabble (Denethor/Faramir)
Are not the Ring and Sauron merely the same thing in the end? Certainly the will of the latter is the essence of the former!
But to lose the security he has felt regarding this son--it would indeed be a temptation to lock him up safely in his room--in a vault.... But for the needs of Gondor even sons, it appears, must be spent....
I empathise with Denethor.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, and I don't think the palantir had anything to do with it, the needs of Gondor superceded the needs of the sons... :(
I am so glad you empathize with Denethor!
Edlyn
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Estrangement - A Double Drabble (Denethor/Faramir)
Meldenya, I loved this one. I think that Haldir definitely had a point and it was more likely Sauron dividing Faramir and Denethor then just the Ring. I have always felt that the estrangement between the two men was something that happened gradually, just as Sauron's strength increased. Denethor, Boromir and Faramir were a triumvirate that could quite possibly hold Gondor against the Lord of Mordor indefinitely (or at least for a long time). I don't think Tolkien ever did specify how early in his tenure as Steward that Denethor began using the palantir, but if Denethor had been using it to monitor what was going on in the kingdom from the beginning of his accession to the Stewardship, and Sauron was using the Morgul stone, the fallen Maiar could easily use the link to influence Denethor. Alienate him from his sons (I suspect that if Boromir hadn't gone on the quest to find Imladris then once Faramir was effectively out of the picture Sauron would have turned his mental nudges to urge Denethor to do the same to his heir) and Gondor's leadership would be seriously weakened with all the concomitant results..., but Boromir's death on the Quest ended up just as effective in it's way in demoralizing Denethor and thereafter destabilizing the security of the White City. What makes the whole business of sending Faramir out to ride in the Forlorn Hope so sad and painful to read (or watch in the films) is that it is possible to see the relationship that Denethor had with Faramir. Unlike a lot of fanfic writers who portray Faramir as the victim of a horrifically abusive father, I think that they had to have had a close and loving relationship or else the pain that Faramir feels wouldn't be so visible in his face or so evident in his actions.
Excellently written!
Goodness I've gone on about this, haven't I? This revue is longer than the fic itself! And please give your charming and adorable grandbaby a hug from me when you see her next. You were very lucky to have her assistance in sorting out the names. How does she pronounce Denethor anyway?
Hugs and Eru Bless
Edlyn
Jay of Lasgalen
· 26 November 2008
· Chapter 66: Rumors - 500 words (Elrohir)
Wow, this is powerful! It was chilling when Elrohir recognised the joy in the orc's eyes - have the twins come to enjoy the same love of death as them? But when he saw the second orc and knew him - just wow. Great stuff!
Jay
Author's reply
*blushes* Many thanks - such kind words from my favorite 'Twins' writers is too much!
As for the love of death - I won't be writing more on this - but it does seem Elrond has something to be worried about.
Again - 10,000 thanks for the kind words!
6336
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 66: Rumors - 500 words (Elrohir)
Sometimes the Muse strikes at the oddest moments much to your readers delight at another story to read!
So Melkors Lieutenant, Sauron is still at work twisting elves into Yerch!
Poor Elrohir to have to learn his cousins fate that way, he can take comfort in the fact that Inglor is at peace in Mandos and will be Reborn one day!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Oh Lynda - Reborn is an unfortunate word - I believe poor Inglor used his one reborn 'ticket' and that is it. I've never thought Orcs go anywhere once they die - soul less - and doomed to disappear to dust....... I hope I'm wrong.
I'm not sure whether this is a 2nd age elf.... I'm not sure if Sauron was still twisting Elves - but that really doesn't matter - what matters is there was still something of Inglor inside and it tore Elrohir's heart out.
Thanks for our kind words.
PS - I've got TA 3018 complete and will be posting it on Monday... just doing last minute tweeks. As for 'Sword' - 10,000 took precedent - I'll write again very soon! THANKS!!!!
Larner
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 66: Rumors - 500 words (Elrohir)
I see what you meant in the comment you made about Imogen! Oh, yes, a terrible thing to find--a cousin's eyes in such an enemy! And so in keeping with canon! (Shuddering!)
Well done, Agape!
Author's reply
Many thanks! I shuddered myself when the thought came!
Your kind words are MOST appreciated!
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 66: Rumors - 500 words (Elrohir)
Slightly disturbing when I figured out what had happen, but it was certainly saddening.
Intense, thought-provoking, and well-written.
~Calenlass
Author's reply
Thank you very much! The thought itself came in a flash of horror!
Celeritas
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 66: Rumors - 500 words (Elrohir)
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.
I hope Elrohir is beginning to understand what the rage that runs through his veins is turning him into. Seeing that must have been a really nasty shock--but a needed one.
Powerfully well written; whatever your Muse is doing she(?) is doing it right.
Author's reply
I'm hoping that Elrond will eventually be able to break through the grief and help his sons return to some normalcy... 'course - being part Noldoran doesn't help! :)
Thank you so much for your kind words. I blush!
Rede
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Short Answer: Awww!
Long Answer: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Author's reply
Many thanks. I liked the long answer best!
Tari
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Excellent job! How sweet of the twins to think of this and how insightful of the cook to create a jack-o-lantern. I wonder how he came up with the idea.
They certainly brighten the little one's day.
Tari
Author's reply
If I do write another chapter, it will explain how the cook 'knew' what to do witht he pumpkin.
Thanks for your kind words!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
I like the way Elladan and Elrohir try to make this a special event for Estel - I love to see tham as caring older 'brothers' to him.
I remember trying to hollow out a turnip when I was young (no pumpkins in the shops in to 60s!) but it was hard work. Pumpkins are much easier :)
Author's reply
I used to help my mom make turnips for Thanksgiving. Just trying to pare them was horrible. I cannot even begin to imagine trying to carve one!!! Yikes.
As for the twins, I got some of my inspiration from a certain 'twin' author (JoL) who has shown me a very nice side of them.... Many thanks!
Pearl Took
· 19 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Bravo, Agape!!
This was positively charming. I really was wondering what that poor cook was going to manage to come up with. This was the perfect solution.
MEWD!
Author's reply
Thanks ever so uch for the Bravo. *blushes*
I wondered myself about the cook - he definitely had a wee soft spot for Estel himself... but couldn't let it be known. Perhaps he had lost his dad too....?
Glad you enjoyed it.
Vilwarin
· 19 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Oh, that was so sweet. *blinks a tear away* Please do go on!
If Arathorn had died somewhere in November or December Estel would have witnessed three celebrations.
I too can remember some things from when I was so young!
Author's reply
Yes - that was my impression too. And even if he didn't quite 'remember' such celebrating - I believe the sight of the jack-o-lantern would have brought back instant memories....
Sorry about the tear - the twins are a delight, aren't they?
Larner
· 18 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Cute!
Actually, in Europe it was turnips that tended to be carved out to make skull-like lanterns, although it is certainly possible that Dunedain explorers after the sinking of Numenor might have brought home pumpkins and other squashes at the same time they brought potatoes and tomatos and other plants that originated in the Americas.
But I'm glad they wanted to do something special for Estel! That was so thoughtful--and they were apparently even more anxious to see what might be made of the pumpkin than Estel was!
Author's reply
Once they began to discuss the pumpkin, their curiousity was peeked... peaked?
If I have a moment, I'll write how the cook discovered jack-o-lanterns!
6336
· 18 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Checked Wikepdia and apart from Antarctica Pumpkins can grow just about any where, so no reason for them not to grow in M.E., besides I seem to remember one in the opening scenes of F.O.T.R.!
Lynda
Author's reply
It's funny - but someone told me, a long time ago, that there was no coffee in M-e - but good old Bilbo served it to the Dwarves in The Hobbit.
6336
· 18 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
Well apart from the fact that I think Estel would have been a little too young to really remember Halloween, this is cute.
I think the cook must have had some idea of what to do, though I think pumpkin soup or a pie would have been good!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
It's funny you should ask for more; this was going to be a one-shot, but the Muse has been flinging a few thoughts my way. We'll see if I have the time to do anything with them.
Oh - and Lady Branwyn says they probably didn't have pumpkins in Imladris - but I figured Halbarad gave the twins one.... but of course, she thinks they didn't have pumpkins period.... but this is Middle-earth - I bet the Shire had some!
So - if he was around 2ish when his dad died... and say this is the same year or even the year after - kids still do remember really 'odd' things - my grandbaby seems to - at least - and she's two....
Pie would have been good and I considered it - but the jack-o-lantern won out!
Many thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 18 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
A delightful and seasonally appropriate story! I love the conversation with the cook, and the reference to the twins trying to make cookies for little Estel, not to mention the Elves' total ignorance of pumpkins.
Author's reply
Many thanks, Raksha! I most appreciate the kind words.
The cook was going to say more, but I beat him back with a rolling pin!
shirebound
· 18 October 2008
· Chapter 65: A Gift for All Hallows Eve (Elrohir/Elladan/Estel)
It's incredibly sweet that Estel's brothers want to bring him joy and make his stay with them happy. That poor cook! But it sounds like everything worked out perfectly. :)
Author's reply
It did seem to work out, didn't it - much to the twins surprise.
Many thanks for your kind words - I'm glad you enjoyed the twins!
Larner
· 6 October 2008
· Chapter 64: Never Ask A Hobbit Home To Tea (Hobbits)
Heh! This is priceless, Agape! Love it!
Author's reply
Bless you, glad you liked it!
6336
· 6 October 2008
· Chapter 44: The Portrait - A Double Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
Finduilas,who else?
Lynda
Author's reply
I personally thought it was a portrait of Finduilas. Perhaps by an artist who kept it for himself, but fell upon hard times and had to sell it. Or perhaps it was of the boys - though why anyone would... what on earth am I saying??? I'd commission a portrait of THOSE two - wouldn't you???
Thanks for reading!
6336
· 6 October 2008
· Chapter 15: Boromir on Feanor - A Double Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
Well, I suppose you could look at it that way! I am not sure the Valar are solely to blame it was more like six of one and half a dozen of the other! Pebbles and ripples wich are still rolling through Arda!
Lynda
Author's reply
Hey - give the man a little leeway! Nasty old mountain. Pebbles and ripples indeed. Must have been difficult, though, to grow up in the shadow of the thing. It was not thus for Denethor - never burst into flames, if I recall rightly, until around TA 2950???
6336
· 6 October 2008
· Chapter 64: Never Ask A Hobbit Home To Tea (Hobbits)
Yes, if the pantry's nearly empty,
You'll have problems a'plenty,
If you ask a Hobbit home for tea!
How's zat for a review!?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Oh good grief - if you want more, that probably means a night of dreams - I really don't want anymore for awhile.
As for the review! Zounds, zats zupendous!