Reviews by Rhapsody

"Uh-Oh" · Tue Oct 03, 2006 5:37 am

Hehehehe, not quite what I expected when I saw the title and I almost expected a screen that popped up with the lines (just as the grand ol 20 style Wink smiley face

), but a very unusual dropping onto Middle earth amidst armed and cautious elves. It makes me wonder if Tolkien would have considered this too if he had seen a movie featuring these two.

Another Man's Cage · Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:02 am

Let me see if I succeed in leaving a review without clicking too hasty on the X (well I could always blame Tyelko). This chapter stirred something inside me and it was a bit unsettling. Not regarding your writing, but call it a dawning on what is going on with Nerdanel - which is likely one of the seeds for later events.

It is an observation coming from her:

I know things at times through aching intuition. I know that my fifth child will be no more mine than the four I have now. Carnistir’s birth took too much out of me, and Fëanáro will be ready to conceive again before I am. My body will hold the child as a vessel holds water, but it will be Fëanáro who will be his true creator, for I will lack the energy for anything more ambitious than his physical nourishment.

I have carried a child under my heart and I know how much this child is mine, especially since I know him befor he was born. The fact that Nerdanel just sees her pregnancy as being a vessel and giving it physical nourishment, makes me wonder how things could have gone different if she had nourished all emotionally as well. But we know that Nerdanel gave some of her children that emotional bit too.. In Tolkien's world we know that during the year a child remains begotten, both father and mother can nourish the child emotionally, whereas the mother can only give physical nourishement (well duh!). This observation really made me sit back and ponder about this while thoughts go into several directions with the main thought... how much is Nerdanel to blame for the break up with Feanor and the rift that will be made between her and her sons... I am not saying here that Nerdanel does not love her sons (I mean, this clearly shows), but still.

There are more things that caught my attention, but before I write a review of more than a page (you know I can do that with ease): again a great chapter.

Okay one more thing then, this was so poignant: I should know, for Fëanáro used to act the same

Brilliant! Even the presence of a mother is no guarantee for happiness, there is so much more going on like that and Nerdanel sees that.

Oh and (ut oh), I just love this observation:
He sleeps like a doll tucked into bed: on his back, with his arms flat over the covers, his face turned to the ceiling. He doesn’t mutter or whine when I wake him—Tyelkormo tends to do both—but slides from bed and retrieves the traveling clothes that Nelyo had helped him to choose last night or Tyelkormo talks to butterflies and birds and foxes and claims that they answer him,

There is so much more that I loved! Yet another great chapter Dawn!

Until the End of Arda · Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:41 pm

This is... stunning Inglor. The way you portray Finrod's observations and thoughts when he and Amarie can consumate their bond is just wow. Somehow it feels as if Finrod wonders if he will ever be enough for her, even after his heroic deeds, dying in the pits of Angband. It feels as if he is at her mercy. This vignette (since it is a character exploration and gives the reader an incredible insight) is beautifully written and it simply flows. Great work Inglor!!!!

Hard Night · Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:16 am

He hit her. He’s dead where he stands.

You great stupid barbarian, what have you done?

Gosh, your Gamling is just great. The way they dance around each other, Morwen who experienced the harsh life as a civilian victim of the war, Gamling not willing - as a soldier - that a future wife and kid might face the same. Yet they are such a good match, so hmmm, maybe they should be the first to have a LAT-relationship? I am all for that Wink smiley face

Yes hopeless romantic me

First Night · Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:20 pm

Hmmm, Neu, you certainly make me remember why I found horselords so utterly sexay and yeah your Gamling is great. This leaves me wondering about her past, how different the brothel business in Minas Tirith and Edoras might be. For a moment I thought: those two are gonna end up sleeping next to each other without any action (they make such a great fit), but awww, yeah this was good Smile smiley face

How the Eorlings Ride · Sun Sep 24, 2006 1:32 pm

Okay, yes, I am really going to hit myself for waiting so long to read this series! (but then again, I have many great stuff to look forward too) Yeps! What a fabulous way to kick off a series. I am addicted. I could not help myself but to mark my favourite passages as I read along.

Éothain had gone looking for her in the wrong direction and with a lift of brow and a cock of his head, Gamling caught Morwen’s eye and sent her to the back of the room, leaving the table to join her.

So okay, Éothain and a few pints of ale: not trustworthy with a sense of directions. Very Happy smiley face

They passed Éomer and a stunned-looking blonde on the way and Merry nodded politely, then strutted through Morwen’s door like a barnyard cock and shut it with a thump.

I so love this imagery of Merry. I can so see him doing that!!!

Beside him Éomer pried his mouth away from the brunette’s neck long enough to gape and grin. “Wait, Morwen, you paid him?”

Oh my goodness Neume, this realisation is just great! I could so imagine them all sitting there, watching Merry and wondering what kind of stud he must be! Laughing smiley face

Actually this whole piece is just so well-written (pacing, characterisation, setting ect ect) that I simply must read the next one ...

Lonely Night · Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:46 am

My goodness Neu! What a choice is this which Scarlet has to face and Morwen is remembered by. I am not familair with this Nights in Rohan series (shall read it in proper order soon, I promise). In this story it seems to clear that drinking the tea in order to safeguard your own future or that of a child is the best solution possible, when you approach it rationally that is. But what is the most heart wrenching layer of this story are the emotional consequences in a profession this hard. Scarlet who might have a good future ahead of her, with our without her love (who might be able to provide for them elsewhere): Morwen who looks back on a harsh life with three children only as a memory, a what if and seemingly a life lost. And with this you look at the heart of the story, life in a brothel is hard for all and as you grow older, it is extra baggage you have to carry all alone. Morwen’s regret and pain is so poignant. Besides the subject of this short story, I admire your characterisation of two original characters: the story stands strongly on its own without any mention of a canon character which is most often a hard thing to do within fan fiction. This is a gem of a short story, with layer after layer you discover – even after re-reading it several times – with a good use of style and smoothly written prose. Simply stunning Neume! Now I really do want to read the rest!

Another Man's Cage · Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:54 pm

Oh my goodness, two chapters full of Noldo politics and troubles within the family. I feel for Finarfin, being the youngest one, wishing to mend the family tension, but has accepted it. While I read chapter eight, I could not help to wonder the following: what would make a family royal and above others. It remains a very interesting question when you take a closer look at Fëanor who reminds his father of that. But then we have Indis, a woman who obviously loves the wealth and distinction she now can claim her own. Yes she was in love with Finwe for such a long time and yes, her story does prove that love will be answered, but the manner in which makes me wonder if rich clothes and the delicate approach to life, is the way to be truly loved by your people. Somehow, I can sense from the daily life of people that some really need to place a person on a pedestal, where others really appreciate the detail, and personal care (the girl with the oranges for example) a high prince is willing to share. Finarfin somehow has found a way in between, Fëanor would be a good leader of the 'normal' Noldor and soldiers, but I wonder what it will take Fingolfin to really earn the respect of his people. Chapter nine is really heartbreaking. Poor Fingon, I so feel for him. When I read or rather observed his behaviour through Maedhros eyes I could not help to wonder under what pressure and, yeah, threats this little one lives with in a palace. This particular line made me wonder about that:

Since then, I usually greeted him as he sat on his father’s knee or clutched his mother’s hand, a small, pale-faced child whose damp eyes reminded me of an animal who has been wounded and remains mistrustful.

Why would be a child this young already be so mistrustful? Does court intrigue also means involving the younger ones? Is Finrod being tried as an adult, watching his moves wherever he goes, weighing his words carefully? What happened with a carefree child? Yes, I think the parents are not understanding his needs.

And oh my! Gossip!!! Very Happy smiley face

“You are my cousin Russandol,” he says. “The one with all the maidens in Tirion.”

Hehehe. What a reputation!

Here is another part that makes me wonder about Fingolfin's and Ainaire's parenting skills:

“Atar, do not make me go,” Findekáno whimpers. “I promise I’ll learn better here. I promise.” He is clutching at Nolofinwë, and Nolofinwë is peeling his arms away. I have to stride away to the end of the stable, rubbing at my cheeks to hide the tears that have suddenly spilled from my eyes.

This really made me wonder what Fingolfin has tried to force his son to learn and study so hard. If he wouldn't, his big bad uncle would come to claim him and make his life even more miserable. I think Fëanor's observation was spot on and I get the impression that he will make sure of it that Finrod will get a taste of a loving & nurturing family life.

I wince in sympathy for poor Macalaurë, who has been forbidden many times to tell our little brothers scary stories about the Outer Lands. Carnistir has nightmares and Tyelkormo “gets ideas,” Atar says.

Oh I had to laugh so hard when Celegorm started to tell how King Olwë would become enraptured in an enchantment... great foreshadowing. Typically for him to play out his ideas like that. And ai poor Maglor.

But darn Dawn, this line made me cry:
I cannot see his eyes as he says, “I have nothing to be thankful for.”

Poor Finrod, it makes me wonder if he ever can become a child again.

Make It One for Paladin · Thu Sep 21, 2006 8:04 am

I think is is a great piece that puts the spotlight in a minor character. Yet I feel that this character does not like that, but neither does he likes his life currently. What an insightful piece dealing with teh aftermath of the Shire Occupation. Haunting, chilling: a tormented soul cannot find his peace. Maybe Frodo and later on Sam will sail on West, but what has Robin to cling onto what for example Merry and Pip have? When I read this I felt as if I could see Robin sitting at a table, holding a tankard in his hand, citing the lines of the simply poem quoted. Next you lift out every line and write a stunning background, merely a glimpse but yet so incredibly effective. Great writing Marta. Darn, I read this story days ago and yet I simply cannot shake off the feeling that this story gives me. In that respect: great writing!

Boats to Build · Thu Sep 21, 2006 7:57 am

Okay a bit later than I intended too, but this is simply stunning Nancy! First, I love the narrative in this story. When I read this, you take me to the beach, made me feel as I was walking in the sand, the gulls crying, and the waves gently lapping as if I am just having a day out to the beach. But besides this, secondly, I do admire the characterisations in this piece. Boromir, used to his daily life in Minas Tirith comes across a young arrogant and cocky boy who thinks he knows everything (in that respect he is incredibly well written as a teen), but is basically just mimicking everything he saw and witnessed in his life. Yet as a reader, I feel for him, while his grandfather observes him and relates to his grandson how his own father had to pick up the responsibilities before his own time was there. The way Adrahil relates that was just so grandly written, I could simply imagine that happen in this piece (oww wouldn’t this be a nice plotbunny?). Somehow Boromir clings on to the memory of his grandfather the way he sees his own father, but yet he cannot comprehend that a leader will never earn the respect of all, if he is willing to lower themselves to that ‘level’ too. To me it is clear that Boromir still has so much to learn before he would be able to lead and govern his own men. What I really liked was the question of the sword. Boromir starts to relate the facts of where it comes from ect ect, but Adrahil manages to break through the thinking pattern of his grandson and makes him wonder what it will take to be able to make something with your own hands. Secretly I am wishing now that you will write this too… I would love to see how Boromir discovers this (or anything he learns to master, made with his own hands).

And as a third, I love the sketch of the Dol Amroth seamen culture you sketched for us here Nancy. I loved the portrayal of those men sitting there, working on their nets looking down on Boromir for a change and thusly setting their own rules. This piece really felt free of the setting of Minas Tirith and took us as a reader to the Dol Amroth way of life and culture. This is such a treat to read, thanks so much for writing this!

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Reviews by Rhapsody