Reviews (112)

Dreamflower · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Inky visions

Oh this chapter is a real delight! This part made me snort! LOL! “Someone needs to make sure that a young whippersnapper like you doesn’t spend his time doodling in the margins. I remember when I was an apprentice, my master used to say, save a sheep, don’t waste parchment.” Déoric snorted. “He really said that?” “Yes. He was a man with an odd sense of humour. Nevertheless, you will do well to keep in mind that writing surfaces don’t grow on trees. My dear, you have a wicked sense of humor! The part about the ink was inspired, as well--many of the early inks would either fade, or were acidic and would eat away at the parchment over time. And the drawing was a wonderful touch--I love his commission to illuminate this book he's copying! (Let me know if I can help you with anymore research.) I also think I know why Eomer needs all that ink...*grin*

Celeritas · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Inky visions

The bit where Deoric had to put his horse down conveyed the trauma very well. The uncle's visit was very welcome, and I'm glad he was able to correct the issue with the ink before Deoric put in any more work! And the drawing scene at the end--ah, I feel Plot creeping up around the corner! I hope Deoric gets enough time to practice and improve his art that the "inspired" drawings like the horses come easier and easier! Eomer writing letters? Really? Just whom did he meet on this campaign abroad? *shippy grin*

Sunny · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Inky visions

This is really a review of the entire story so far, but I don't suppose you will mind that :-) I have been growing fond of this story. When it started, I was rather doubtful – a young rohir who had lost a leg, making him a cripple. And that disability making it likely that he would never sit a horse again. Certainly a fate worse than death for someone from a culture that is centered on horses and horsemanship! And at the cultural level of Rohan, I guess it is also likely that a cripple would be seen as somehow less than a man, since a cripple would hardly be able to feed a family! For me, the culture of Rohan has a decidedly “Old Norse” flavour (think Vikings) although the Vikings weren’t fanatical about horses like the Rohirrim. I suspect that the greatest reason for me is the description of Aragorn singing a part of a song about the coming of Eorl, and the description of the rich phrases. The description is very like the “feel” of the Edda poetry for me (which IMO NEEDS to be spoken aloud. You just can’t get the right effect by letting it sit there looking pretty on a page. When it is spoken, it lives.) It sounds as if the book that Éomer wants Déoric to copy may have something of the flavour of Snorre’s Heimskringla – which is a history of the earliest Norwegian kings. Perhaps,when he has finished copying that, he will turn his hand to recording the rohirric history-songs – which, perhaps might have something of the flavour of the Poetic Edda. (And I relate very strongly to that in part because I am Norwegian) It is a good thing Déoric took his father’s advice. And it is good that he has come to feel the pleasure of creating such a wonderful thing as a book. And now he is branching out into art. How appropriate that it was a memory of his own horse that started him in this direction. I think I am going to enjoy seeing him start to explore that side of himself, too. And perhaps he will start add fancy initials to his manuscript - he does, after all, have Éomer’s approval of his art, and, indeed, his _command_ to add a frontispiece, and a drawing for each of the kings! :-D (And writing surfaces do _so_ grow on trees, Himlebed! That is, if people in Middle Earth have discovered how to make paper…)

Soledad · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Inky visions

save a sheep, don’t waste parchment *falls to the floor in hysterics* You know, I love this story a great deal, but this speech, this is just too hilarious to remain uncommented.

Ainariel · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Inky visions

I've been following this story since you first started posting it - it's wonderfully told. I knew from the moment those horses 'didnt look quite right' that an artist's eye was at work. (My parents dealt with a precocious youngster who refused coloring books because the animals were all 'wrong'. They started buying me sketchbooks instead!) Love the interaction with Eomer and Eowyn as well - especially that Eomer is so approachable. I like that you portray him as unconcerned over formality when he's with Deoric in the scribe's chamber. (I think that after living nearly half his life among the soldiers, he would remain very down-to-earth unless the situation dictated otherwise). My one (tiny) bit of criticism is when Deoric is remembering his stallion. It seemed very odd to me that one of the Rohirrim, especially a warrior who had relied on his horse as a comrade-in-arms on the battlefield, would refer to the animal as 'it'. Just didn't feel right when I read it. I'm a horse nut, so i may be off course here, but I don't think a people who "love their horses next to their kin" would speak of them that way. Great job - I am looking forward to more!!!

demeter d · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Inky visions

"that's a soldier talking"...Now that there is a time of peace, he can learn uses for his talents. I thought you capture Eomer well. Well done!

Dreamflower · 29 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Horses

Oh, Deoric is so *frustrating* in his insistence on believing something for very flimsy evidence! I love the part about his carefully designing the letters he's going to use. I've spent many an hour myself, doing the exact same thing, trying to figure out the perfect hand for a particular document. But I do love that bit at the end, there...*grin* I'm so looking forward to what's coming next.

Celeritas · 28 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Horses

Niarl has a good bit of perspective here (though perhaps he isn't quite understanding Deoric). "And who knows, it might be the making of him" made me immediately think of your new title, for some strange reason. And he's got a good point about the fact that soon the standing warriors are going to find themselves out of the loop. But of course Deoric's going to read into it the wrong way... A slow smile spread across my face as you described Deoric's awe and trepidation at the old book (which is an artifact indeed!) and his task to recopy it. *grins* And his slow growth in confidence as he mapped out the task and then began work on it (loved the father's advice, applied far beyond its original intent but still true; it's fitting that his legacy should enter the tale). The end bit with the ovals and the shapes (I wonder if Deoric will take up drawing???) was simply inspired! I had wondered if you'd address the issue with the horses not looking "right" in this chapter. I think this one's one of my favorites so far. ~Celeritas

Linda Hoyland · 28 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Horses

It is good to see Deoric's artistic talents emerging.

Linda Hoyland · 28 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reminiscences

How I wish Fana and Deoric would talk!This is so sad and true to life.

Elflingimp · 27 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Horses

That my dear was wonderful to read! Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs the Imp

Larner · 27 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Horses

So, he has the heart of an artist, what with drawing the letters for the copy of the book and recognizing there are basic shapes in the construction of a horse that define the natural shape of the animal. And he's mistaken mutual concern for his emotional well-being for love between the two of them.

Mysterious Jedi · 24 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reminiscences

Interesting story. I have come to care about your OC in a few short chapters. I will look forward to the next installment.

Larner · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reminiscences

We see her heartbreak and his insecurity; yet he already is finding he is seen as worthy, even if he doesn't appreciate it as yet. Now, to see how he and Fana get together again!

Celeritas · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reminiscences

Oh, that dream and then the awakening (I liked the tense shift!) was so well-done--and so sad! The idea of the Houses of Healing was great, and I hope it will help! And I'd love to have the task of copying out that history! *drools* Looking forward to see what you have in store next!

Rhyselle · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reminiscences

Oh, I liked this very much! Although I was frustrated by his inability to see that Fana loves HIM and not just his body. *wry grin* The mental image of the chaos in Eowyn's chamber as she packed was quite amusing. I enjoyed her conversation with Deoric about the Houses of Healing and it was good to see Eomer talk to him about it as well. The Book of Kings is wonderful! What a fantastic task to be set; one that, upon completion, will show him that he is more than just his missing leg. Eomer speaks of taking advice from those more wise than he, but I think this shows his wisdom very clearly. Well done! I look forward to more. :)

Dreamflower · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reminiscences

*sigh* Poor Fana! and Poor Deoric! But I am quite sure you will eventually clear up their misunderstanding...I hope... A very interesting conversation between Eowyn and Deoric, and even more with Eomer later. It will be fun to see what comes of that idea--an HoH in Rohan? Well, why not? And I am very much looking forward to seeing Deoric beginning his scribal work on the book!

Celeritas · 13 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Of quills and necklaces

A couple of things I wanted to point out as exceptionally good: I liked how Deoric moved from awe to criticism of the tapestry of Eorl and Felarof--a sign that he's getting used to his new line of work. And Fana's conversation with her sister was heartbreaking--the poor dear was only trying to be nice but she was rather tactless about the thing as children are. It's a sign of Fana's character that she didn't get upset at her! As usual, a good chapter, and I look forward to more. ~Celeritas

Raksha The Demon · 13 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Of quills and necklaces

Quite a compelling story; I'm looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. Hopefully Deoric will eventually open up to Fana; the two are obviously meant for each other!

Linda Hoyland · 12 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Of quills and necklaces

I'm glad to see Deoric finally starting to show interest in life again.

Linda Hoyland · 12 November 2008 · Chapter 2: An unexpected calling

You convey the bitterness and long term mental effects of battle and serious injury brilliantly here.

Linda Hoyland · 12 November 2008 · Chapter 1: The Kings of the Mark return

This chapter brought tears to my eyes.

Larner · 12 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Of quills and necklaces

Excellent proposed title. And Deoric is still in denial for his own feelings, poor guy. Fana obviously is just the right one for him, if he'd let himself hope for normality. Now, for him to realize that the Lady Eowyn feels much as he does, but is refusing to allow it to get in her way.

Dreamflower · 12 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Of quills and necklaces

Oh dear! Fana believes that Deoric must be in love with someone else, and he believes that she shouldn't be shackled to a "cripple". But perhaps now that he has found a new calling, he will be less likely to count himself as "worthless". But apparently it is going to be a rather time-consuming process...*grin* Good. That means a nice looooooong story! I liked the bit with Eowyn's necklace--and we see that Fana has her own store of physical courage!! And it was just like Eowyn to berate herself for allowing someone to go down the well after her gift!

Silkleaf · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 2: An unexpected calling

Glad to see that Deoric has some hope for a future here, as he has lost so much. His mother has also found someone who can use the shoes, that should bring her some peace. Your use of the imagery of birds through this story is very interesting; sort of contrasting all our wounded friends with the birds' freedom, both freedom of flight and freedom of simple lives. I mean to say no one in the story is the same as they were, or untouched by Sauron at any point, and all are struggling to find themselves. Eomer is well characterized, trying to find his way with having the kingship plopped into his lap unexpectedly. Very good story so far!