News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Branwyn's Baubles by Branwyn | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 1/23/2006 |
| One of those womanly tasks with which Eowyn would be as familar as sword-wielding. I love the different pieces of fabric - the rich red, the black, the green suitable for a child's gown. But I can see why the task would depress Eowyn - it's the unearthing of a past, a range of hopes and desires that never came to pass or ended in sorrow. Author Reply: Yes, everyone in that family (except, of course, Faramir) died before his or her time, leaving their work in ruins or unfinished. I am happy that you liked the different fabrics; I was thinking of how the people you love come to be associated in your mind with certain pieces of clothing or certain colors. Boromir=scarlet. Definitely. :-) | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 1/22/2006 |
| A fascinating look at a part of Eowyn's life seldom seen in fanfiction - that of the Lady of a lord's household, entailing the proper physical maintenance of the home and everything in it. I like the way you write Eowyn here; definitely not a "desperate housewife" or a wild thing trammeled in a cage; but a young wife taking on the tasks she is expected to do, as a job to be done rather than a burden to be shouldered. Her melancholy reaction to the sorrow evoked by the clothing left behind by Faramir's dead father, mother and brother is understandable. Yet Eowyn is strong enough, and practiced enough, to praise the old housekeeper for her skill - she has managed servants before and knows that compliments are as important as discipline. Your understanding of medieval textiles, their composition and care, enriches this ficlet. Author Reply: I have to admit that I was annoyed at Eowyn's seeming bewilderment when confronted with the duties of a chatelaine in the Helm's Deep scenes in the movie. None of this would have been new or surprising to her. Yet Eowyn is strong enough, and practiced enough, to praise the old housekeeper for her skill - she has managed servants before and knows that compliments are as important as discipline. And Eowyn would realize that the poor servants are probably more than a little worried about having a wild shield-maiden of the North as their mistress! Best to reassure them. Thanks so much for commenting! | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 1/22/2006 |
| I feel for the poor housekeeper - keeping tally of the household's loss by the fabric left behind. Denethor; Boromir (the imagery of his surcotte swirling as he paces is exquisite!); most heartrending of all, the unborn daughter Finduilas longed for in vain. The details you've added - the dyeing and weaving terms, and line about Eowyn's rough skin catching on the silk - are like embroidery, adding richness and texture to the somber fabric of your tale. Lovely. Author Reply: For the housekeeper, her memories of these beloved people are bound up with common household objects, and she is probably afraid that Eowyn will want to use the fabric or give it away. But, fortunately, Eowyn is sensitive enough to understand that these are mementos of the dead. Thanks for your kind review! | |