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A Handful of Valentines  by Branwyn 6 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/17/2009
Don't remember reading this one before, although I may well have done so--it's been several months since February, after all. I do suspect that even Aragorn saw other women who caught his attention at times, no matter what his love for Arwen; and this WAS before he and she became betrothed, after all.

A moment of light and shadow here, reminding me of dappled sunshine between regularly spaced standards.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/10/2009
This is amazingly beautiful. Such a perfect picture, such a tugging at the heartstrings, such a subtle hint of bittersweet foreshadowing! I loved it.

annmarwalkReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/7/2008
When I read this story it very easy to visualize the scene, in luminous colors like a medieval Book of Hours, all deep blues and reds and gold leaf. Your use of language, too, is wonderfully rich and evocative, especially the semi-nautical terms you use to describe the sea-princess: bright as the dance of sunlight on the water; cloth rippled in waves at her feet. Thorongil's analogy (light-headed ... as if he had stared too long at the sun on the water.) is perfectly fitting for Denethor, too, bedazzled and giddy at his good fortune: his eyes flitting between his father and his bride, as he repeated the solemn words of the oath. He stumbled badly on the last line. We don't get to see this Denethor often enough!

Your opening line They were all a little in love with her is gorgeous, and has enormous potential for plotbunny spawning: Eowyn, Lothiriel, Arwen. I don't write much from the ladies' pov's but I might be tempted here. I hope you will be, too!


Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/26/2008
i often wondered what aragorn thought of Finduilas.You answer the question beautifully.

Author Reply: Thanks for your kind review! She must have been something special if she managed to turn Denethor's head. :)

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/26/2008
How little he had understood of women and their strength, how little he knew of what they could bear!

Indeed, he still had much to learn! :)

Author Reply: Thanks for commenting!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/25/2008
Ah--an interesting look at Aragorn seeing possibilities here. Nice.

Author Reply: I wonder if it ever occured to Denethor that Aragorn had good cause to envy him, happily wedded and secure in his future. Thanks for commenting!

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