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An Autumn Fair in Halabor  by Soledad 1 Review(s)
DeniseReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/24/2008
Oh, my! Easily my favorite chapter so far, and not only because of Gildor's glorious and radiant appearance!

First, I love that Kevern is so aware of himself and who he needs to be, even if it means disappointing or frustrating those he loves.

Second, I love that amidst his practical trade he has an artist's heart, and sacrificed to create something of beauty. (I felt all sorts of resonances with writers in general and fanfic writers in particular.)

Third, I absolutely love Gildor's comment about "...adding three more pieces to honour your modesty. ‘Tis not a trait I find often when bargaining with mortals." It sort of touches on something I've wondered with every Elven purchase thus far: the mortals have thought that Elves don't know enough to bargain, although they haven't been exorbitantly overcharging them. But for beings as long-lived as the Elves, surely all human customs are well-known in areas that they travel in. I've been suspecting that the Elves know full well what is happening and have let it pass out of compassion, as they know that dangerous times have impacted the mortal ability to earn a living; and it's much better than revealing pity for the craftsmen's circumstances.

Even so, it's wonderful to see Kevern's innate honesty so rewarded. :)

Fourth, Imrahil has a shiny new toy! I hope Isabeau knows about it - first the Haradric rug for Andra and now this. (I had an immediate flashback to Isabeau's "Last Rites", when Aragorn comments on the elaborateness of Imrahil's camp setup - I could totally see this stool in amongst all the other goodies. *g*)

Some great phrases at the end that I love:
old and mortal with ageless and deathless
And when the women of the family were content, Kevern was content, too.

Just an awesome, lovely chapter!

Author Reply: I must admit that "Last Rites" was something of an inspiration for using the school, although I found out about the existence of such things in some obscure article about medieval smithcraft. I don't know whether Isabeau has ever read this story, though.

Kevern is a character I've grown very fond of in TSD already. It was elaborated there that he doesn't like making weapons, even though his mother blackmailed him into forging that battle axe for Súrion. I thought he's such a strong character he'd deserve his own story. And bringing back Mistress Pharin was great fun; she's based on my late grandmother, which is the reason I like writing her so much.

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