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The Battle of the Kitchen by Raksha The Demon	10 Review(s)
Fiondil	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/17/2010
Too funny, Raksha! I loved the POV and Faramir's entrance.... like wow! But he was correct... they may have all started out from different places but they were now all of Ithilien and that was what was important. Thanks for sharing this delightful tale. Author Reply: I'm glad you appreciated Faramir's entrance - I've always seen him as extremely impressive. Ithilien would be something of a melting pot as I see it; and might be for some time as it attracts more population and the outer borders are slowly tamed. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Fiondil!

Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/14/2010
Most delightful moment. I like the young kitchen maid's voice, and the argument between the cooks. "Fairer than an orc"??!!! LOLOL A truly enjoyable little tale. ~~~~~{~@ Author Reply: Thanx much for reviewing, Armariel! I'm delighted you liked my still-nameless narrator; I had a great time writing in her voice. Yes, Master Aelbert has such a way with the ladies, doesn't he?! He's not exactly experienced in chatting up female companionship...

Aiwen	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
Very funny, and very enjoyable. I can certainly imagine Faramir would not be fond of discord in his kitchen. Author Reply: It probably depends on the level of the discord - Faramir wouldn't mind an occasional mild spat or swear-word; but sustained arguments with realm-specific and personal insults - no, he's not going to put up with that, and neither would Eowyn if she were feeling better. Thanx for the review, Aiwen!

Thundera Tiger	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
This was such a fantastic story! With just a few descriptive sentences, you embroil us in an argument that feels like it has been going on for several months. There's backstory here that you reference with your usual subtlety and thus make a part of Tolkien's world. And then there's the characterization, which is brilliant. I felt like I knew these characters well, and I think that's the brilliance of your POV. You've got a kitchen servant who is quiet enough to do a lot of observing and who is neutral enough in the matters discussed to give us a broad perspective on what's happening. But far and away, my favorite moment of the story is Faramir's entrance. He has such...presence. Even when Cook and Second Cook resume their argument, Faramir is still the central focus of the story. It's like the rest is so much chatter, and I can definitely see his father in him. He shows himself to be very much the Steward in listening to both sides and then including everyone in his judgement. Wonderful character work! You make me envious! Author Reply: Thanx for this very thorough review, Thundera! I had a great time writing Cook and Second Cook - who practically wrote themselves, and also my young narrator; it was fun to write less elevated prose. And I'm delighted that you thought I captured Faramir's charisma and power; as well as his role as a judge/Steward; that's important to me (and yes, Faramir would reveal facets of his father quite often, in many ways they're alike). As far as I'm concerned, Faramir always stands out in any crowd! I'm glad you like the story.

Virtuella	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
Oh, delightful! I like the Second Cook's way of talking, especially when he calls the cook "fairer than any orc." That ranks up high in the list of famous pick-up lines from now on! Author Reply: I normally don't do much with OC's, but Cook (Mistress Saerwen) and Second Cook (Master Aelbert) took hold of my imagination. I think Aelbert is a crusty bachelor, probably a soldier who lost his leg in battle and became a cook; and doesn't know much about sweet-talking a woman. He did mean to compliment Saerwen with that line. Anyway, thanx for reading and reviewing, Virtuella!

Nesta	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
Hee-hee! I bet Faramir didn't eat the buckwheat, though. You ought to write about Denethor's kitchen. I bet that was a well-disciplined place, but rather a boring one in that he probably thought mere food was beneath him, except as fuel. It'd have been more fun roasting an ox for Boromir's benefit. He probably felled them himself with one blow of his fist. Author Reply: Hi, Nesta! I'm not sure whether Faramir ate the dish; but I'm sure that Eowyn enjoyed it. I leave the writing about Denethor's kitchen to Annmarwalk, who does so, among other places, here: http://stories.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=5493 Anyway, thank you for the perspective of another Faramirist; I'm pleased you enjoyed the story.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
A delightful view of Faramir's diplomatic skills! Author Reply: Thanx for reading and reviewing, Linda; I do think Faramir would have learned a certain controlled precision in his speech, if only to get along with his father. And he's a natural diplomat in my opinion.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
Oh, it was fun to see this little look at "backstairs" in Faramir and Eowyn's new home in Ithilien. Indeed, blending the two cultures and backgrounds very well might have resulted in this sort of problem. Faramir dealt with it beautifully-- his voice was perfect here! His wisdom and fairness came through perfectly. As for "wizard's pupil", I think perhaps it was compassion and mercy he learned from Mithrandir. But his sternness was certainly learned from his father. A perfect balance of both! Author Reply: Thanx for the review, Dreamflower. I definitely think that the blending of Numenorean/Gondorian/Eorling in the culture and tradition of the new princedom of Ithilien might have had some ups and downs. Eowyn would have some servants who were firmly entrenched in Rohir customs; and Faramir would have also had many old retainers of the Steward's houshold who were used to doing things their way. I'm delighted you felt I captured Faramir's voice well - the story stalled for over a year because I couldn't figure out exactly what Faramir would say to the staff; and then, I started up again and Faramir's words just rolled out from my head to the keyboard - thank you, Faramir-Muse! I don't think Gandalf taught Faramir any magic. But my young kitchen-girl narrator has probably heard all sorts of rumors concerning the Grey Pilgrim and the Wizard's Pupil, fueled by Faramir's ability to read the hearts of men as well as his friendship with Mithrandir.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
"Anyone, be they of Gondor or Rohan, who does not wish to treat their fellow servants with respect may leave this house," the Prince finished. "We come from many other places, but we are all of Ithilien now." Faramir truly shows his quality here, and everywhere. He quietly states the facts, doesn't threaten or punish, and leaves everyone to work out their own differences. What a diplomat! A lovely story. Author Reply: Faramir is a patient man; and would not willingly play the tyrant; but he's not going to put up with a high level of discourtesy in his household. And at the moment, he's especially protective of Eowyn. I've always thought Faramir would make a great diplomat. In fact, in my version of the early Fourth Age, he will go out on an embassy or two to other lands, as well as the Northern parts of the Reunited Kingdom. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Shirebound!

Clodia	Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2010
That's a lovely story! I like the insults they use especially; very appropriate. Thank you! Author Reply: Thanx, Clodia. I had a good time writing characters who would be more prone to letting off steam in public, not to mention loud insults. I'm glad that you enjoyed the story.

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