Reviews (23)

Agape4Gondor · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 2: Outlander (Eowyn, Boromir)

Absolutely delightful moment. I loved every moment of it!

Larner · 17 October 2009 · Chapter 3: Bedazzled (Aragorn, Finduilas)

Don't remember reading this one before, although I may well have done so--it's been several months since February, after all. I do suspect that even Aragorn saw other women who caught his attention at times, no matter what his love for Arwen; and this WAS before he and she became betrothed, after all. A moment of light and shadow here, reminding me of dappled sunshine between regularly spaced standards.

Dreamflower · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 3: Bedazzled (Aragorn, Finduilas)

This is amazingly beautiful. Such a perfect picture, such a tugging at the heartstrings, such a subtle hint of bittersweet foreshadowing! I loved it.

Antane · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Restoration (Aragorn, Faramir)

Having recently listened to the BBC Radio adaptation for the 14th time of this scene of Aragorn calling Faramir back, I was struck again how easily and instantly Faramir loved Aragorn and what a strong bond they must have shared. Thank you for this little addition to that tale. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

annmarwalk · 7 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Horse Sense (Bill the Pony, Gimli)

*claps hands with glee* I'm not generally a big fan of anthropomor_fic, and much of what I've read purporting to be Bill the Pony's take on the Fellowship has been somewhat heavy-handed and selfconscious. This tale is a refreshing change! This Bill the Pony couldn't be anything but a pony, and his thoughts are ponyish concerns - a full belly, a scratched back, apples and raisins, but also history and legends whispered late at night in the barn. There certainly are similarities between Bill and Gimli: each are proud, suspicious, conscious of their stature as compared to their elegant, taller companions - but they are also tirelessly, ceaselessly loyal and committed to the tasks at hand. It's endearing to see them beginning to sense those qualities in each other. A very unusual, well-written tale!

annmarwalk · 7 March 2008 · Chapter 5: The Token of the Second Son (Boromir, Faramir)

(I confess I read this hurriedly when you first posted it; it's a great treat to have the opportunity to reread and savor it in a more leisurely manner this rainy, dull afternoon.) You don't specify either of the boys' ages here, so I'm assuming that they are both quite young. The Bestowing of the Horn come across as a quite impressive pre-coming-of-age ritual, celebrating family heritage without dangerous pointyness *g* Boromir, of course, loves this sort of thing, even at an early age, and it must have hurt his heart a bit for his adoring little brother to not get to come and worship. I really love the way you bring out Boromir's tenderness, though, and concern for his little brother's feelings. The lodestone is an inspired touch! for Faramir was ever his brother's touchstone, his center.

annmarwalk · 7 March 2008 · Chapter 3: Bedazzled (Aragorn, Finduilas)

When I read this story it very easy to visualize the scene, in luminous colors like a medieval Book of Hours, all deep blues and reds and gold leaf. Your use of language, too, is wonderfully rich and evocative, especially the semi-nautical terms you use to describe the sea-princess: bright as the dance of sunlight on the water; cloth rippled in waves at her feet. Thorongil's analogy (light-headed ... as if he had stared too long at the sun on the water.) is perfectly fitting for Denethor, too, bedazzled and giddy at his good fortune: his eyes flitting between his father and his bride, as he repeated the solemn words of the oath. He stumbled badly on the last line. We don't get to see this Denethor often enough! Your opening line They were all a little in love with her is gorgeous, and has enormous potential for plotbunny spawning: Eowyn, Lothiriel, Arwen. I don't write much from the ladies' pov's but I might be tempted here. I hope you will be, too!

annmarwalk · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Restoration (Aragorn, Faramir)

What I particularly like about this are the details about Beregond refusing to leave Faramir's side, the soot and dried blood on his face, and how he just curls up on the floor when told to rest - those are all so telling of his devotion to Faramir. After having saved him from death once already during the night, he's not about to take any further chances.The elves found rest by gazing on green leaves or into the star-dappled heavens, and so he found new strength as he looked at his charge. Oh, that's very lovely; after a night (all right, a lifetime) of ceaseless battle, he is able to refresh his soul by practicing his healing arts. An interesting twist to "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer..." in the dichotomy of roles. Very beautifully done!

Linda Hoyland · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 5: The Token of the Second Son (Boromir, Faramir)

I loved this glimpse of the brothers.You capture them both perfectly.

Linda Hoyland · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Bedazzled (Aragorn, Finduilas)

i often wondered what aragorn thought of Finduilas.You answer the question beautifully.

Linda Hoyland · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Restoration (Aragorn, Faramir)

I'm so pleased you have posted this beautiful ficlet here. Thank you again.

annmarwalk · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 2: Outlander (Eowyn, Boromir)

There are so many rich, vivid details in this ficlet that it almost seems as though the reader is watching a tiny film. Eowyn's preteenish sniveling (oh, how she would hate to ever be reminded of it!); Eomer's fierce protectiveness combined with his naivete, to think that his opposition and Eowyn's would really derail the betrothal; His very endearing ganglyness as he nearly trips over his new sword. What great writing! In contrast to Eowyn's youth and petulance, though, we have a Boromir who is very different from any we've ever seen: hands white with cold and broad shoulders slumped with weariness. This is not a valiant warrior or masterful diplomat; the miserable weather seems a metaphor for a prospective bridegroom who may not be any more eager for the match than his presumptive bride.Moving quicker than thought, Eowyn slid down the ladder, then smoothed down the front of her dress as the outlander stared and the head groom coughed into his hand. Purely by luck, Boromir stumbles upon the quickest way to break the ice between them. She finds a man who might not be too different those she knows and loves; he finds a maid who is not shy about getting things done. What a pair they would have made! What a fabulous AU this could have been!

Raksha The Demon · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 5: The Token of the Second Son (Boromir, Faramir)

Awww; poor Faramir; it must have been hard to always see Boromir get the important, exciting stuff, and believe, even though he accepted it, that he would always come in second. But Boromir does something nice, and large, and very kind for his little brother. Original and well-written.

Raksha The Demon · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Restoration (Aragorn, Faramir)

Oh, I just love this one - definitely my favorite of a gorgeous handful of valentines! Aragorn finding spiritual refreshment by checking out the recovering Faramir - definitely an inspired and credible notion. Faramir refreshed the exhausted Frodo and Sam; and is himself linked to the season of Spring. And it ties into Aragorn's considerable clout as a man who is not only the heir of Gondor's kingship, but an effective healer. And poor Beregond - he is very believably portrayed here; and your treatment of him shows both Aragorn's compassion, Beregond's determination, and the degree of devotion that Faramir inspires. Very well done!

shirebound · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Bedazzled (Aragorn, Finduilas)

How little he had understood of women and their strength, how little he knew of what they could bear! Indeed, he still had much to learn! :)

shirebound · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Horse Sense (Bill the Pony, Gimli)

Bill and Gimli! What a unique and delightful "bonding" between these two.

Raksha The Demon · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 2: Outlander (Eowyn, Boromir)

A wonderful portrait of young Eowyn, alternately sniffling to her brother and then taking the reins of her destiny into her own hands. The image of her coming down the ladder from the hayloft in her fine gown is very right for Eowyn. And Boromir - how can one not fall in love with a man who is so good to his horse?!

Raksha The Demon · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Horse Sense (Bill the Pony, Gimli)

Wonderful characterisation of Gimli here - I love his comments about warhorses. And a nicely written friendship between two oft-neglected members of the Fellowship...

Larner · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 5: The Token of the Second Son (Boromir, Faramir)

Now, this is love in evidence. Boromir recognizing the second son also needs recognition and finding just the right thing to give him, and the right way to present it! Wonderful!

Larner · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Restoration (Aragorn, Faramir)

Marvelous! Just marvelous! And I love Beregond so tired he just follows the order without question. Here we see Aragorn finding his place in the new order of Gondor, rejoicing the younger son of the one who fascinated him in the last tale yet lives, and with him hope for acceptance here.

Larner · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Bedazzled (Aragorn, Finduilas)

Ah--an interesting look at Aragorn seeing possibilities here. Nice.

Larner · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 2: Outlander (Eowyn, Boromir)

Betrothed to Boromir? She could easily have done worse! But to see he cares for his horse allows her to see him as acceptable? Good!

Larner · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Horse Sense (Bill the Pony, Gimli)

Ah, that's our Bill--trusting his instincts and recognizing a friend.