Reviews (148)

Raksha The Demon · 1 November 2009 · Chapter 23: Choosing (A Drabble)

An excellent drabble of that pivotal moment in M-e history - you capture the drama and power of it perfectly. And Eonwe's role here is a stroke of genius!

Larner · 1 November 2009 · Chapter 23: Choosing (A Drabble)

And he understands, now that he has embraced that life, as he looks forward to losing the last of his family, and he will know such griefs more as his life proceeds. At least we know he at last knows reunion in this world with most of those he ever loved, and in the end will know reunion with the others, there in the Timeless Halls!

Lindelea · 31 October 2009 · Chapter 23: Choosing (A Drabble)

Understanding the sorrow, yes, and perhaps foreshadowing a future loss. Powerfully written.

ellie · 31 October 2009 · Chapter 23: Choosing (A Drabble)

that is a difficult understanding for Elrond to acquire - the sadness of the Eldar and a hard lesson for him to learn , too. nicely done.

Virtuella · 31 October 2009 · Chapter 23: Choosing (A Drabble)

I've never read anything about this moment before. You've captured it well!

Celeritas · 11 October 2009 · Chapter 22: Release (a double drabble)

You need to be on flu meds more often, judging by the quality of this writing! *Voice of reason: "Um, Celeritas, she writes like this all the time."* Oh, right... Carry on!

Larner · 10 October 2009 · Chapter 22: Release (a double drabble)

At least she is now free, and can seek the Halls of Mandos, no matter what becomes of him. He has given her that much freedom. Could this be, perhaps, why orcs came to fight one another as readily as they did--a racial memory, maybe, of those earliest days and the one mercy they might show one another?

Virtuella · 10 October 2009 · Chapter 22: Release (a double drabble)

Powerful. I'll not spoil this with a wordy review. It's great.

shyler · 12 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

Who is Yavanna? I really like this story, by the way :)

Thalanee · 11 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

I loved that little story! and poor Legolas didn´t realize just who stood behind him... I wonder if Gimli ever told him. Probably not, he is very stubborn after all. I´m already looking forward to more. Greetings, Thalanee

Larner · 8 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

That is quite a visitation, to find Yavanna herself greeting him! Lovely!

shirebound · 8 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

That's lovely, and a unique way of highlighting just how much Gimli has grown... in perception, and also in the respect of the guardians of Arda.

Fiondil · 8 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

ROFL! That was priceless Rhyselle, and poor Legolas is oblivious to her presence. I bet that's one little secret Gimli will take to the grave with him. He wouldn't want to upset the Elf after all. *grin*

Agape4Gondor · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

This was delightful - I just love the greeting!!! Hooray for Yavanna!

Celeritas · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 21: B2MEM: March 7: One Rainy Day in Fangorn Forest

Nice twist on the "talking tree" prompt! My reaction was literally "OMGYAVANNA!!!" once she mentioned her spouse--and I found it fascinating and wholly marvellous that she would decide to show herself to such an outsider as Gimli.

Celeritas · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 20: B2MEM March 6: Variations on a Theme by Eru

The imagery in that last sentence was sheer poetry!

Fiondil · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 19: B2MEM: March 5: Regrets and Resolve

A beautifully written piece, Rhyselle. Manwë's role is often misunderstood by many fanfic writers and readers of the Silmarillion. Here is an exerpt from Tolkien's essay "Ósanwë-kenta: Enquiry into Communication of Thought" [Vinyar Tengwar 39/28-29]: 'If we speak last of the "folly" of Manwë and the weakness and unwariness of the Valar, let us beware how we judge.... Manwë had the authority to rule and to order the world, so far as he could, for the well-being of the Eruhíni; but if Melkor would repent and return to the allegiance of Eru, he must be given his freedom again. He could not be enslaved, or denied his part. The office of the Elder King was to retain all his subjects in the allegiance of Eru, or to bring them back to it, and in that allegiance to leave them free. Therefore not until the last, and not then except by the express command of Eru and by His power, was Melkor thrown utterly down and deprived for ever of all power to do or to undo.... The weakest and most imprudent of all the actions of Manwë, as it seems to many, was the release of Melkor from captivity. From this came the greatest loss and harm: the death of the Trees, and the exile and the anguish of the Noldor. Yet through this suffering there came also, as maybe in no other way could it have come, the victory of the Elder Days: the downfall of Angband and the last overthrow of Melkor. Who then can say with assurance that if Melkor had been held in bond less evil would have followed? Even in his diminishment the power of Melkor is beyond our calculation. Yet some ruinous outburst of his despair is not the worst that might have befallen. The release was according to the promise of Manwë. If Manwë had broken this promise for his own purposes, even though still intending "good", he would have taken a step upon the paths of Melkor. That is a perilous step. In that hour and act he would have ceased to be the vice-gerent of the One, becoming but a king who takes advantage over a rival whom he has conquered by force. Would we then have the sorrows that indeed befell; or would we have the Elder King lose his honour, and so pass, maybe, to a world rent between two proud lords striving for the throne? Of this we may be sure, we children of small strength: any one of the Valar might have taken the paths of Melkor and become like him: one was enough.'

Larner · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 20: B2MEM March 6: Variations on a Theme by Eru

Oh, but this is so true to what we know of her personality and purpose. Thank you.

Agape4Gondor · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 20: B2MEM March 6: Variations on a Theme by Eru

Lovely!

Agape4Gondor · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 19: B2MEM: March 5: Regrets and Resolve

One of the most terrible moments - and yet so belated..... I have never fully understood the Valar's decision - in fact, I have never understood ALL their decisions.... but I would not take that onerous duty on.

Kaylee · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 20: B2MEM March 6: Variations on a Theme by Eru

Beautiful, meldenya! I especially like the description of these little white blossoms as stars. I can just imagine them peeking out of the grass, staring up at their counterparts in the sky. And the title is lovely! Better than the one I proposed, lol. Tye-melin, Kaylee

Agape4Gondor · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 18: B2MEM: March 4: Role Model

You go girl!!!

Celeritas · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 19: B2MEM: March 5: Regrets and Resolve

Nice job getting into the head of one of the Powers that Be. I've heard a lot of criticism of Manwe & co. for trusting Melkor, but I think that as the beings of Good that they were, they simply couldn't understand what a lie was. So shocking to one of us in this day and age! At least Manwe is taking action now!

Celeritas · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 18: B2MEM: March 4: Role Model

Lady Eowyn of Rohan: Best role model for young girls of Middle-earth ever. Although I hope that they do not realize the reason for her heroics until they are much, much older...

Celeritas · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 17: B2MEM: March 3: A Queen's Duty

Having experienced years as an Elf would, I couldn't see Arwen not wanting to spend as much time with her swiftly-aging mortal children as possible. These really are happy moments.