Jackal · 25 December 2015 · Chapter 5: The Onion Riddle (Beregond, OCs)
This is hilarious and it brings me evil joy.
Branwyn's Bijoux by Branwyn
Reviews (39)
Virtuella · 4 November 2008 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
What a clever little ficlet, and every word fits just so!
Larner · 4 September 2008 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
And when one of the two Rangers will be the King Returned one day? What will he think then, I wonder? Heh! Ah, Barliman Butterbur has a thing or two to learn about Rangers.
Grey Wonderer · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
I just found this through the MEFA site and I really enjoyed it. I could just see the expression on Barliman's face as he tried to puzzle out the appeal of the game. Very enjoyable.
Larner · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Beggars' Night (Pippin, Gandalf & others)
Cute. Very cute! Love the annoyed wizard!
Author's reply
And you know that he will end up have more fun than anyone else in the party! Thanks for commenting. :) B.
Larner · 23 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
Ah, I so love this child, who's already showing the skills he'll need as hunter, scholar, and primary aide to the King Returned when that time comes. His words are so apt, and I, too, loved his "It smells like words" comment--perfect for the child he was at the time. And his finding of the proper carrier for the scroll was so wonderful! Lovely images here of Gandalf searching for information and Faramir as a child aiding him.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind review! I think that library would have been like a second home to him.
Pryderi · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
This is a great story as your other reviewers have confirmed. They seem to have been concerned with it's form, which as with other of your stories that I have read I find admirable. I wish to address the content. Who hid the book? Saruman is a good guess. And in one sense it fits with the canon. On the other hand there would be more dramatic tension if it were Denethor who had hidden it and the young son inadvertently, in this one scene, antagonised his father. Well your stories contain these various interpretations and that is why I enjoy them. Your two moving evocations of Robert Frost's poems: "The Road not Taken" and "On Looking in Woods" (or whatever) should be posted somehow together I think. They are separate on this site. I found the one and spent an enjoyable interlude surfing for the other. Thank you for this and the other stories I haven't reviewed. Pryderi.
Author's reply
I am not sure whether the book was deliberately misplaced. My own experience in libraries is that books are often put back on the wrong shelves. Though it is also possible that someone hid the book. In LOTR, Gandalf mentions that Denethor was reluctant to grant him access to the ancient scrolls in the library, so the steward might have moved them. I do like to leave room in the story for the thoughts of the reader. :) I will have to go back and link the two Robert Frost pieces. Thank you for pointing out the oversight, and thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments.
Antane · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
“And you would like to live here some day?” Faramir nodded. “No one would cover the lamps at night, and I could read for as long as I wished.” A man after my own heart! I think it would be fun to get locked into Barnes & Noble and read all night... I do love Faramir. As far as tales just waiting to be found, the professor found a wonderful one, didn't he? Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
If they had had flashlights in Gondor, Faramir would have been reading under the bedcovers at night. :) Yes, the professor gave us a priceless gift when he shared the treasure of his imagination. Thank you for your kind comments!
Raksha The Demon · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
Oooh; I just love this story! Not only is it one of the best presentations of Faramir as a child, but it really nails Gandalf, as much as a character as great and deep and ancient as Gandalf can be captured. Here, Faramir is not just a scholarly child, he is an active little boy, confident, curious, and, as Gandalf noticed, very observant. In so many ways, he is indeed Denethor's son, but he seems less self-absorbed. And I love the way Branwyn portrays Faramir's restless nature; I've always thought he's a kid who would find it hard to keep still unless he was was reading, learning, or observing something of interet - then it would be hard to move him! As Daw mentioned, Gandalf's line about Faramir's spirit is wonderfully evocative - and it hints at Gandalf's own origin as well. I've always thought that Gandalf loved Faramir, perhaps as much as he loved Frodo - Gandalf was a person who had to watch most of his friends grow up and grow old and die, and he often had to use them as players in the great game against Sauron. I think he had a soft spot for certain people who he had known since childhood, and Faramir and Frodo were among those few (I'm assuming, without checking canon, that Gandalf met Frodo in the latter's childhood). It must have wearied him to sacrifice these especially beloved friends, or watch them sacrificed in a conflict that had lasted so long. Here is the genesis and heart of the "wizard's pupil" connection between Gandalf and Faramir. A delightful and moving portrait of two people separated by age and species but united in friendship.
daw the minstrel · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
This was wonderfully done. It's a terrific example of what a writer can do in fanfic that can't be done in other kinds of writing because you use Tolkien's larger plot to frame this moment and give it weight. The idea of the scroll, like the One Ring, waiting to be found is so ominous. But this moment itself is worth reading on its own. Young Faramir in particular leaps off the page as a living boy. I laughed at his awe that the loremaster lives in the library. I know people like that! In our era, Faramir would have been one of those kids who read under the blanket with a flashlight. You also evoke Denethor well, though he's off stage. He's not reduced to an evil lunatic, the way he is in so many fanfic stories. Gandalf shows genuine sympathy for Denethor's not having the choice to be a loremaster. In addition your phrasing is so fresh: “We must go through Poetry and Ballistics to get to the lower archive.” “That sounds like a highly dangerous course And "It smells like words" And The wizard leapt to his feet and ran toward the sound, staff raised in his hand. I'd have been so tempted to put "in alarm" where you have "in his hand" but you show rather than tell and it's great. The wizard placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and could feel the warmth and the tremulous spirit, as quick as the flutter of wings, that were bound in his flesh I stopped and read that several times because it's so evocative. Thanks for this lovely piece of writing.
shirebound · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
“It smells like words here,” Faramir told him What a wonderful scene. I hope Faramir spent much of his later years enjoying uninterrupted time with his beloved scrolls, books, and lore, and taught his children to love "the smell of words".
Author's reply
Both Gandalf and Faramir suffer much hardship in their lives, so I liked to think of them sharing some peaceful moments. Thanks so much for commenting!
annmarwalk · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
What a great story! There's so much to love here I hardly know where to begin. The top of his head barely reached the wizard’s belt, and perched on his silky hair was a tiny version of a scholar’s cap. What fabulous imagery! How could Faramir be any more adorable? I can just imagine Nanny smiling to herself as she stitches that tiny cap. Or would Denethor have ordered it for him as a surprise gift (SQUEE!) “We must go through Poetry and Ballistics to get to the lower archive.” “That sounds like a highly dangerous course, but I have great faith in my guide,” the wizard said as he hurried after him. Faramir walked quickly, almost at a trot, and at times he bounded ahead then circled back to wait for the wizard. Omigosh, now he's Faramir-as-a-golden-retriever-puppy! You did find a way to make him even more adorable! “It smells like words here,” Faramir told him, and the darkness of the archive seemed to lessen at the sound of his voice... The wizard placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and could feel the warmth and tremulous spirit, as quick as the flutter of wings, that were bound in his flesh. Ok, all kidding aside, I had to catch my breath here, because this is just perfect. All Faramir's youthful love of lore, and brightness and energy and joy he radiates just filling up the room, and Gandalf's recognition and affection for him as a kindred soul - oh, my, oh, my. You know, it's these tiny, perfect gems of stories, written by masterful authors like you, that continually renew my faith in our fandom. Thank you so much for continuing to share moments like these with us!
Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 7: Lost and Found (Gandalf, Faramir)
I enjoyed this very much. A lovely glimpse of Gandalf and Faramir.
Author's reply
I am glad you liked it, but what's not to like about young Faramir? :) Thank you for commenting!
Vardav · 23 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
Delightfully done! Thank you from the Valar Guild for a thoughtful story for the tenth anniversary. That was also a subtle and marvelous way of honoring some of our members who are soldiers in real life who have to leave for a while and then return to game with us again.
Author's reply
Thanks to you, gracious Varda, and to the members of the Valar Guild for creating a cozy place for gamers, writers, and readers to meet! Author Reply: Edit--Here is the current website address for the Valar Guild-- Valar Guild
Raksha The Demon · 21 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
What I love most about this most excellent vignette is the sense of much of Middle-earth encapsulated in a small provincial inn - the mysterious hard-traveling Rangers, the hobbits, the dwarves, the Men of Bree; all involved in one way or another with an old and sophisticated game that speaks of ancient power. Well done! And extra points for wonderful characterisation of Butterbur.
Author's reply
In ROTK, Gandalf and Pippin converse using a chess metaphor which makes it clear that hobbits and wizards, at least, are familiar with the game. I thought it was reasonable to assume that it was played throughout MiddleEarth (just as during the Middle Ages in the real world, it was played throughout Europe, the Mideast, and parts of Asia). Poor Butterbur is in for such a surprise when he learns the true identity Thanks so much for the kind review! Author Reply: Let me try this again without the cat walking across the keyboard! In ROTK, Gandalf and Pippin converse using a chess metaphor which makes it clear that hobbits and wizards, at least, are familiar with the game. I thought it was reasonable to assume that it was played throughout MiddleEarth (just as during the Middle Ages in the real world, it was played throughout Europe, the Mideast, and parts of Asia). Poor Butterbur is in for such a surprise when he learns the true identity of Strider. I wonder what, if any, role the innkeeper played in the fighting against the ruffians in Bree at the end of the War? He would be in a natural position to help organize and supply the effort, if not lead it. Thanks so much for the kind review!
phyloxena · 21 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
I love this one! And amazed how you managed to write such a short piece to feel so slow. It has very much the feeling of 'The Smith of Wutton Major' -- Barliman is much the same type as old cook, he just lives closer to Fairy.
Author's reply
I am glad you liked this! I did try to write in a meandering style since poor Barliman does take a while to think things through. :)
Larner · 21 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
Ah, a marvelous vignette of sorts here, Branwyn. Yes, whether or not he knows it, this game is indeed one of at least ONE king-to-be he's acquainted with.
Author's reply
Thanks for your kind comments! For someone as set in his ways as Butterbur, it must have been astonishing to learn that one of those shiftless rangers was the rightful king of Arnor and Gondor. :-D
RS · 20 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
This is wonderful. I really like this. I love the picture of Strider playing the "game of kings".
Author's reply
I am glad you enjoyed this! Poor Strider wouldn't have had much time for leisure, but if the weather was too foul for travel or he was waiting for news from other rangers, I could see him passing the time in a game of chess. :)
meckinock · 20 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
This is nice. Butterbur is such a kind, innocent soul.
Author's reply
I am glad you liked it! Butterbur IS kind and innocent--I can imagine him wishing that those rangers spent more on ale, but he would never think of turning them out in the cold.
Neilia · 20 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
If only Barliman knew about Strider's real identity. Great tale.
Author's reply
When the returning hobbits tell Butterbur that Strider is now the king is one of my favorite moments in the LOTR. :-) His expression must have been priceless. Thanks for commenting!
Neilia · 20 November 2007 · Chapter 5: The Onion Riddle (Beregond, OCs)
Hahahaha! Love the onion riddle! ;)
shirebound · 20 November 2007 · Chapter 6: The Game of Kings (Butterbur)
Very clever, but poor Barliman is so puzzled by this strange game! I can see it growing much more popular once the King actually returns. It's nice to imagine the Rangers keeping up this ancient tradition. :)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind comments! I think Barliman is more the checkers type. :)
Raksha The Demon · 13 November 2007 · Chapter 5: The Onion Riddle (Beregond, OCs)
Beregond learns the hard way that things are not always as they seem. Good thing that the dwarves don't take offense where none was meant. Excellent characterisation of Beregond; he shows the tolerance we saw him display towards Pippin in ROTK. And a very frisky riddle; Beregond, who is the epitome of courtesy, is going to blush about its audience for a long while to come, I think.
Author's reply
That dwarf shouldn't take offense at anything Beregond said. The captain is just looking out for the welfare of the people in his charge. Yes, that is a frisky riddle, but it was well-suited for its intended audience. :) As always, thanks for your kind comments!
annmarwalk · 13 November 2007 · Chapter 5: The Onion Riddle (Beregond, OCs)
There are so many layers here, lovely twists and turns off the main path of the tale, I can only hope that you'll revisit this and explore some of these other side paths sometime, too! As always, your imagery and descriptions are sublime: lines like The miner stared at each outcropping of stone, scratched it with a file, and then sniffed and tasted the filings carry a whole weight of history and culture with them. I've never really imagined what a young dwarf-maid would look like, but silky beard and slight build and the clear, almost musical sound of his speech is enchanting. And how could I not hoot with laughter at Well, I doubt even dwarves are born with whiskers, Beregond told himself then shook his head to dispel the images of bearded dwarven babes? Of course I want to one day hear Beregond's tale of the freeing of Moria; I'm sure the dwarves were just as astounded to discover that they were accompanied by a hero who had done their folk such a valiant service. The onion riddle (hee!) was well integrated into the tale, and made perfect sense as the result of free-flowing liquor and warm companionship. Poor Beregond at the last! I wish I could have seen his face! I wish I could see Faramir's face when Beregond tells him the story. Well done, Branwyn!
Author's reply
I figure that if Beregond ever told a bawdy story, it would be something clever and genuinely funny like the onion riddle. That he was drinking probably helped him put aside his usual sense of decorum. Note that the Rohirrim taught him that riddle, a valuable cultural exchange. Yes, I summoned a huge plotbunny when I innocently mentioned the reconquest of Moria. That would make one hair-raising story. I am glad you liked this goofy tale and thanks for commenting!
Larner · 12 November 2007 · Chapter 5: The Onion Riddle (Beregond, OCs)
"So alike are we in face and form----" (Whispered) "It's the beards!" Oh, how I can see this, AND appreciate poor Beregond's embarrassment! Heh!
Author's reply
And this would be just the beginning of his discomfiture, hee! Because he's a husband and a father, and also just because he is Beregond, he would be frantic with worry at the thought of somemone in her delicate condition camping and riding around the countryside. Despite the fact that this pregnant lady could probaby benchpress an anvil. :-D Thanks so much for reviewing!