Reviews (22)

Lindelea · 18 December 2025 · Chapter 6: In the forest

MM! I am finally getting to reading this! (And glad of the opportunity.) It is the time of day when things have settled down, people are out and about or busy with various tasks. Even the cats are napping and not rubbing against my legs, threatening to bite if I don't go immediately to the couch (do not pass GO and do not collect $200, even though a little additional money is always welcome) and make a lap. The play quickly became a game of Dragons. Of course small children steeped in history and legend would play at Dragons! What a wonderful detail. Gilraen's laughter is also lovely, as are Elrond's thoughts. I laughed at "Nor should he!" And again at, "As I did the last two times you have asked." The rite of passage reminds me of an Indigenous tradition of going out in search of a vision. I don't remember anymore where I read about it or any of the details. Gilraen's inner Mama Bear is very apparent here. I don't envy Elrond at this moment. He had not planned time in the Herbarium, but his young son looked so excited he did not want to disappoint him. Excellent way to show Elrond's love for this special lad. I thought of Elros, too, when Elrond did. I wonder what Elros-and-Elrond stories might be out there...? Now I have an inkling of a story, but I must simply make a note of it for future reference because there are still too many WIPs yelling for my attention. (Almost-twelve-year-old Estel is such a delight!) I love the idea of the touchstone. I looked up moonstone, and one of the things I found was "A talisman for travelers (especially at night), believed to offer protection and good fortune, particularly in difficult times." As I have mentioned before, I love your rituals. They show a great deal of thought and care. I loved the place being described as a special glade that responded even to a trace of Elven blood. And Estel's asking permission of his surroundings sounds eminently right somehow. Hmmm, I just had a second thought about the "special tea". Is it similar to the psychedelics used in rituals aimed at visions? (I found the term "entheogenic ritual or a shamanic ritual" just now in a web search.) During Estel's encounter with Arathorn, I suddenly realised what a risk Elrond was taking. Arathorn told Estel who he was! Luckily, the boy didn't remember the details but only his father's love. I was so sad for Estel when he thought he'd failed. I'm extremely grateful for the last line. Wonderful and completely absorbing, as always! (((hugs))) Lin

Author's reply

Lin! Ah yes! A full house has its joys and consequences! :-) "Even the cats are napping and not rubbing against my legs, threatening to bite if I don't go immediately to the couch" Our furry masters are demanding to say the least. I remember one time I was sitting on the sofa talking to my mom. Ana, the Grand Duchess, walks into the room falls over onto her side and meows in her demanding little way. I GET UP OFF THE SOFA to sit on the floor to rub her belly! Then I think "Hey wait a minute!" Ana looks at me like, "Did I tell you to stop! Pet me!" So I thought I'm already here so I continued to pet her!! Back to the story! "The play quickly became a game of Dragons. Of course small children steeped in history and legend would play at Dragons! What a wonderful detail. Gilraen's laughter is also lovely, as are Elrond's thoughts." Well of course he would play at Dragons! I was influenced in this by a fantasy series written by Melanie Rawn, called the Dragon Prince series. There, one of the favorite games for the children was to play "Dragons." Also I have always been fascinated by the relationship that must have existed between Gilraen and Elrond. Not romantic (because Elrond still had Celebrian in his heart and Elves mated even beyond death and Gliraen still grieved for Arathorn but they had but a shared love of Estel I think created a close bond between them. "The rite of passage reminds me of an Indigenous tradition of going out in search of a vision. I don't remember anymore where I read about it or any of the details." I have to where I don't remember, various places I should think. I thought that with the Elves bound to Arda it would make sense that they should have such a ritual. And in keeping with the Professor this Ritual isn't really codified. Not "Magic" as such. Just a bond that was. And even trace amounts of Elven blood would suffice. I find it a little mind boggling that Through Elros, Elrond is Aragorn's uncle. More later! Must dash to work! Officially put in for retirement though! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Part 2! Lin! "I love the idea of the touchstone. I looked up moonstone, and one of the things I found was "A talisman for travelers (especially at night), believed to offer protection and good fortune, particularly in difficult times." I thought that Gilraen would want to give him something from his time before they came to Imladris. In "the Heir Apparent" Elrond decides that Aragorn cannot know his heritage and Gilraen accedes to his wishes, though she found it a painful thing to agree to. She gives Estel her wedding pendant for the three days to give him something that binds him to his destiny without his knowing it. A bond between him, her and his father that he has not been allowed to know about. I probably looked up the moonstone meaning when I originally wrote the chapter for their marriage in "Heir Apparent." "As I have mentioned before, I love your rituals. They show a great deal of thought and care. I loved the place being described as a special glade that responded even to a trace of Elven blood. And Estel's asking permission of his surroundings sounds eminently right somehow." It seemed to feel right. No elaborate proscribed rituals, just acting from the heart. I added the idea of a special tea but now I think it was to open Estel up to these feelings, he did that all on his own. Maybe it was there is make sure he didn't lose him within Arda. "During Estel's encounter with Arathorn, I suddenly realised what a risk Elrond was taking. Arathorn told Estel who he was! Luckily, the boy didn't remember the details but only his father's love." It was a risk but thankfully Arathorn realized what he could and couldn't say. I tried stay away from cliches in this moment of communion. It was fun to write! Thanks again for writing! (((hugs))) MM Once again

shirebound · 11 December 2025 · Chapter 6: In the forest

What an utterly lovely story and Rite of Passage! I enjoyed every word. Happy Birthday, my friend, and may your heart be as joyous as Estel's.

Author's reply

Shirebound! Thank you so much! It's been a while since I've written anything that hasn't been based in Rohan so I thought this would be nice!! So glad you liked it. It was a good birthday even though I have had a bit of a cold during it!! Now to make presents and write my Solstice story! stay warm and cozy!! (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea · 31 January 2025 · Chapter 5: A Birthday Shared

A shared birthday! Such a joyful tale. I love the legend about the horses and the Moon, and how Éowyn incorporates her new-found information into helping the mare. The rapport between the girl and the mare is so touching. And now I have caught up with all the chapters in this story. Éowyn shares so many similarities with my Tooks! Archery prowess, joy and excitement about helping foals into the world, reverence for life... I may have to add some new material to Farry and Ferdi Go to Gondor just for the purpose of throwing them together somehow... Frankly, it might even help Ferdi along in his journey to a better understanding (and appreciation) of Men. He already has some respect for Faramir and Éowyn from their interactions during the relief effort to deal with the famine that afflicted the Shire a couple years earlier. I will have to give it some thought.

Lindelea · 16 December 2024 · Chapter 4: Building Sandcastles

His eye lit up – What a lovely picture of Denethor's love for his wife. It's all too easy to picture him as he was near the end of his Stewardship, weighted down by the threat of Mordor, the influence of Sauron, the impending, inescapable doom that infected him from looking in the Seeing Stone. And yet, in his desperation to somehow save his people and his City, he couldn't not look, as it were. Finduílas was clearly the light of his life. I had this thought long before the words popped up in the chapter. Like her, I find the sea somehow soothing, strengthening, and healing. We don't visit so often as we used to, which is a pity. I could watch and listen to the waves for hours. Considering the roles played by Boromir and Faramir in the War of the Ring, I wonder if Denethor and Finduílas were somehow fated to meet and marry? (I remember reading JRRT's mention of "the author", yet not referring to himself but to a higher power.) I find myself glad for Denethor's choices here. It's too bad he could not always respond so wisely to Faramir in later years. Yet Boromir filled the gap somewhat, I think, as did Mithrandir – as far as he was able to without raising Denethor's ire at the wizard's attentions to his son. Lovely! One more chapter in this birthday series, at this time anyhow. I will save it to savor tomorrow.

Author's reply

Lindelea! Sorry for the extreme lateness of this reply. Somehow I missed it earlier. Thank you for your review. I have already seen Denethor and Faramir's relationship as a love too painful for Denethor to act upon. When he says in ROTK "I sent my son unthanked, unblessed and into needless peril" he is remembering his love that has been buried under memories too painful and at the end it is uncovering finally. And also as it is mentioned somewhere in Tolkien's works that Faramir looks like his mother, Denethor could not bear to look at him so the love they shared must have been a great love and one Denethor never got over. It give depth to his character. Also we don't always handle grief as well as we could or should. I tend to hold grief at bay and distance myself and thought that perhaps Denethor had this reaction. I took a great deal of joy writing this story. P.S. In an interesting note my opinion of Denethor and my depiction of Eowyn differ greatly. I have sympathy for him. Eowyn simply does not. She cannot understand how Denethor could treat Faramir as he did. Though she never met him she could never forgive him. An interesting note I think. PPS. I love the sea as well. Finduilas and I share the same affinity for the sea. Once again thanks for reviewing! ((hugs)) Happy new year! MM

Lindelea · 15 December 2024 · Chapter 3: A new life among the Green Leaves…

Resuming my reading... Ah yes, the warrior father and scholarly son. And yet this father makes a point of commending his son's work. Very satisfying. It always puzzled me that Wood Elves would choose to live in a dwelling delved from cold stone, but this chapter helps me begin to understand. The banter between husband and wife is lovely, especially her warning to him not to engage in "I told you so" in future times. And what is it with people surrendering to the impulse to pet a pregnant belly? I shudder in remembrance. I suppose it might be taken as a blessing, but it always felt like impertinence to me, the few times I experienced such a thing. Oh! The "forgotten joy" and "lessening of joy" is very well done. One of those nuances that I love to find in your stories. I was so worried that something would go wrong... I'm so glad to read the account of a joyous occasion. The mention of Thranduil's healing brings with it reminders about the battles he must have seen, including the Battle of Dagorlad where his father was slain, and the Siege of Barad-Dûr and Sauron's defeat. (I wonder if he perceived Sauron's influence in the growing shadow over Mirkwood? Reading the chapter over again, I'm sure he recognised it even if he did not want to acknowledge it.) Welcome, Legolas!

Author's reply

Lindelea! Thank you once again for the review! Yeah, true many Thranduil stories are not happy ones and I thought he needed to have a happy ending. He has seen so much it is no wonder that he has a somewhat jaundiced view of life. The birth of Legolas was perfect for this! Also I wanted to write a story about Thranduil and his wife wife whom I named Lasgalen independent of Pippa Boyens naming her the same thing! Their was a happy union until she was taken from him again leading to his jaundiced view of life. "The "forgotten joy" and "lessening of joy" is very well done" I strive to insert those bits that give detail and depth to my stories! About Thranduil perceiving Sauron's growing influence in Mirkwood, I think he does and I have to admit to some influence by another fan fiction writer on here, Conquistadora. She has a wonderful long saga called "When We Were Young" and has the idea that Thranduil senses the evil presence in Dol Goldur. She and I tend to concur on our opinions of Thranduil. Thanks again! ((hugs)) and Happy New Year! MM

Lindelea · 14 December 2024 · Chapter 5: A Birthday Shared

(This chapter was posted for your most recent birthday. I didn't want to leave off reading without leaving a review! But I don't have time to read this one just now. Here's hoping I can take up where I left off [just starting Chapter 3] tomorrow...)

Author's reply

Lindelea!! Thanks for the Birthday wishes!! Read when you can!! ((Hugs)) MM

Lindelea · 14 December 2024 · Chapter 2: A Dream Fulfilled

How I love this joyful chapter. It is a balm in itself. How wonderful to read of the healing and restoration that took place after the War ended while anticipating joy to come! I am also quite hooked on the idea of hearing more about Faramir and Éowyn's life in Ithilien. What was it like when they arrived in the land? Did Faramir want to leave her "safe" in Rohan while they cleansed the land of the worst dangers? Did Éowyn insist on accompanying him? (She is, after all, a shield maiden.) Did they end up in a battle together, fighting back-to-back? Did they even, at different points, end up saving each other from death or serious injury? Yikes, my imagination is running wild. That's what I get for eating too much chocolate, I guess. It can make me hyper. The thought of Beregond popping up here and there (or - who am I kidding? - featuring heavily) as Faramir's Captain in Ithilien would be a bonus. Beregond's the one who dragged me into fanfic in the first place, after all. LOL, if you ever find time hanging heavy on your hands, that is. Or if you know of someone who has already written such a story, please let me know. Again, since this is a story comprised of birthday mathoms: Happy Birthday!

Lindelea · 14 December 2024 · Chapter 1: A Gift for Merry

I just now settled down "for a good read", and seeing this story on the home page, I decided to start with Chapter 1 (even though I see I left a review for it already, meaning I read it earlier). By the way, Happy Birthday! (I ought to have started with that...) And many happy returns. The chapter is as delightful as I remembered it. Moreso, even. (Spellchecker doesn't like "moreso". Should it be "more so"?) I love all the homey little details you include; they make the story so real. I hope your birthday was as warm and wonderful as reading your chapters always makes me feel. Now on to the next chapter.

Itarille · 9 December 2024 · Chapter 5: A Birthday Shared

Sharing a birthday with a foal--how fitting for Eowyn. Thank you for sharing your stories. And happy birthday to you!

Author's reply

Itarille! Thanks for taking the time to review. It means a lot to me. It only made sense to be that Eowyn would have a special bond with her horse. She is Rohirrim after all! :-) I have finally carved out a little space to do some more writing! Yeah! I am currently working on a Winter Solstice story involving Eowyn. I hope to have it ready by the Solstice! Thanks again! MM

shirebound · 9 December 2024 · Chapter 5: A Birthday Shared

What a lovely and joyous story, and such a marvelous lesson (for all of us) about slowing down and living in the moment. Happy Birthday to you, and may your special day be as magical as your tales.

Author's reply

Shirebound! Hello! Thank you so much!! It was a lovely birthday! I thought Eowyn deserved one as well!! I was going to add a bit of angst such as doubt as to whether the foal would survive, but in the end she does. But then I thought "Nah!" I want to write a purely happy story. Eowyn has enough drama in her life, surely there were many happy moments as well. And right now in "Destiny's Child" we are in the midst of much angst so I wrote of pure joy! Thanks again for the review! Merry Christmas and wishing all in Middle Earth fandom a Happy Yule!! ((hugs)) MM

Nurayy · 18 December 2021 · Chapter 3: A new life among the Green Leaves…

What a happy beginning of a new life. There is so much love there between all of them. It was also beatiful to see how Celebren built their new home with so much of his heart, thinking of his mother and giving such joy also to his father. You have a way of writing joyful moments and love between the characters that is literally sparkling off the written lines.

Author's reply

Nurayy! I blush at the compliments. I do love writing about happy times and the love that exists between people. I used to write angst-y stories. My characters would end of happily but they were dragged through the wringer to get there. Now not so much. I think that is one of the reasons I'm having troubles with "Destiny's Child" I'm in the portion of the which are some of the darkest times in Eowyn's life and I keep reminding myself that she will be happy with Faramir. I just gotta get her there! Be Well; Stay Safe ((hugs)) MM

Nurayy · 13 December 2021 · Chapter 2: A Dream Fulfilled

A wonderful sweet moment for them both. They are such a lovely couple. I love how they finally found love and peace and happiness after all they have been through. And now their Baby is coming :)

Author's reply

Nurayy! Yeah! I really had a fun time writing this! Be Well! ((hugs)) MM

Nurayy · 10 December 2021 · Chapter 1: A Gift for Merry

Merry waiting with tea and cake, finding it good that way, and his mother calling him a muffin, this is all so funny sweet an very hobbitish :) Pippin making bubbles and gurgling what a cute first glimpse of our favourite little troublemaker lad!

Author's reply

I really did enjoy writing this little story! I could imagine Merry's mum being the sort who always had a treat at the ready for her precious boy. Thanks for reading! Be well MM

shirebound · 8 December 2021 · Chapter 4: Building Sandcastles

Happy Birthday! What a heartwarming and sweet story you've gifted to us. It's wonderful to be drawn back to the innocent, joyful times, and learn a bit more about this marriage.

Author's reply

Shirebound! Hello! Thank you for the Birthday Wishes. I am glad you liked the story. I have always felt that Denethor and Finduilas were a love match that had a tragic and short end and that explains much of why Denethor is the way he is and why he could never forge a positive relationship with his son. It makes me laugh to think how radically different my opinion of Denethor and what my depiction of Eowyn in my many stories of Faramir thinks about Denethor. I think his is a tragic life full of misfortune and misunderstanding. My Eowyn hates him for how he treated Faramir growing up and that there is no reason for his actions. I guess it is all down to perspective. :-) Be well and safe! MM

Lindelea · 22 December 2020 · Chapter 1: A Gift for Merry

Happy birthday! I love so many things about this story. Merry's mum calling him "Muffin"! Merry sleeping on the long trip (reminds me of long drives from the Midwest to an eastern state to visit our grandma). Male communication - and Merry, so young, already joining in. I am in complete agreement about tea and cake, makes all sorts of things bearable. And marking the passage of time by tea and cake... so very hobbity. I love the little glimpse of Saradoc and Paladin's younger years, with their sons following in their footsteps. Lovely ending. (I am saving your solstice story to savor after I finish this behemoth task... but I couldn't resist a glance at SoA this morning while waiting (hoping) for my coffee to kick in and saw your birthday mathoms. Looking forward to more if I can make some good progress today.)

Author's reply

Lindelea! I realised that I had not answered this review yet! Very remiss of me. I shall rectify that now. I loved writing this story. I imagined that Esmeralda would be a doting and very loving mother. Always knowing exactly what a young Merry (the darling of her eye) would want. I wanted to paint Merry's excitement at meet his young cousin. I read somewhere (Fanon or Canon I don't remember) that Merry had a hand in naming Pippin so the story flowed from there. Easy to imagine Men Hobbits having little to no interest in the ins and outs od "Woman Stuff" and Merry wants to be one of the menfolk so of course he is not interested in the Baby-being-born stuff! So glad you liked it. I tried to capture the spirit of hobbits though I don't often write Hobbit-centric stories. Hope it came across well. I hope your Christmas has been safe and peaceful! Stay Safe, Mellon nin, Stay safe! ((Christmas hug)) MM

eliza · 15 December 2020 · Chapter 3: A new life among the Green Leaves…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND well done! mellon nin, What an exceptional story, lol I love you lasgalen and yes even kings seem to ask stupid questions at the worst times (lol my own "king" decided to ask my doctor the score of a football in the middle of labor, I couldn't reach his throat). What a nice family interlude. Wishing you a Joyeux Noel et bonne annee

Author's reply

Eliza! Thank you and I am very happy you took the time to write! It was a labor of love this story! Yes, even Kings can say stupid things! About your King. I love football and yet if my hubby during labor asked about a score....Yeah I'd have tried for his throat as well! Men! :-) I like to show Thranduil happy when I can. Otherwise he has much trama to deal with in many fanficts I read. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and to everyone (hopefully) Stay safe! mellon nin! ((hugs)) MM

Larner · 13 December 2020 · Chapter 3: A new life among the Green Leaves…

The birth of a child should be as joyous as depicted here. At least Legolas knew he was begotten and born into the love his parents shared with one another.

Author's reply

Larner! Yes, exactly.To tell true the theme of being born into love was inspired by your "Celestial Conversations" story. I wanted to show that was true for Legolas as well as Frodo. And any chance to show Thranduil in a happy circumstance is a good thing too! Thank you so much for reading and responding. It really means a lot! Stay safe, Mellon nin! ((hugs)) MM

Larner · 13 December 2020 · Chapter 2: A Dream Fulfilled

Now, this is indeed a wondrous gift to offer her husband on their birthday--that he is going to be a daddy!

Author's reply

Larner! Hello! I thought it would indeed make for a lovely birthday present. Faramir given the chance to be the father he never had to a son he would love to distraction! Thanks! MM

Larner · 13 December 2020 · Chapter 1: A Gift for Merry

A sweet first meeting between these two who will always be best of friends as well as beloved cousins. Delightful!

Author's reply

Larner! Thanks so much for reding and writing! I had a lot of fun writing it! I remember reading somewhere that Merry had a hand in naming Pippin. Don't know if that indeed is cannon or not but this story sprung to mind so I run with it!! MM

shirebound · 10 December 2020 · Chapter 3: A new life among the Green Leaves…

We came here so that he would not born near evil. He shall be named for this place of green leaves, our new home. His home. That's lovely. Happy Birthday, my friend! May this be the beginning of a wonderful new year for you... and all of us.

Author's reply

Shirebound! So lovely to hear from you! Thanks! I wish the same thing for all of us! May the next year bring as much happiness as this year has brought sadness. Please stay safe Mellon nin! ((hugs)) MM

shirebound · 9 December 2019 · Chapter 2: A Dream Fulfilled

It's wonderful to imagine the joy and healing Faramir and Eowyn found in their relationship, and a happily-ever-after for them both.

Author's reply

Shirebound! Exactly! I love thinking about how Faramir and Eowyn found each other. Two broken people who find each and heal each other and make the other whole and happy. Yeah! :-) When I was thinking about what to write about a birthday story for Faramir I first thought of a young Faramir (I even started writing it) but really anything about Faramir's young life is touched by sadness and I just wanted to write a happy story about him. :-) thanks again for reviewing! :-) MM

shirebound · 9 December 2019 · Chapter 1: A Gift for Merry

This is adorable. Happy Birthday to Pippin, and to you! Thank you for sharing such lovely gifts.

Author's reply

Shirebound! Once again thank you so much for reviewing. I tried something new writing and posting in the same day, not usual for me bur I really wanted to post them on my birthday! It was fun trying to write from an eight-year old Merry's perspective. The bond between the two is so close! Thanks again for reviewing! MM Author Reply: And Thanks for the Birthday wishes!! It was a lovely day! MM