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| A Matter of Honor by meckinock | 25 Review(s) |
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| Thundera Tiger | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/16/2005 |
| I swear that I knew you could write action sequences. There were enough of those during "In the Hands of the Enemy" and I knew that you had a singular talent for drawing out suspense, adventure, drama, twists, and all the other great things that go along with a good action scene. But even knowing all this, I was blown away again by your writing. The flood sequence over the Hoarwell was some of the tightest writing I have ever seen. It ebbed and flowed liked the waters, peaking at climax after climax until that tree came out of nowhere. It was a brilliant scene that held me motionless on the edge of my seat. Everyone was accounted for. All the actions were perfectly described. I had in my head a complete visual of everything that was happening, and it went by so quickly that I had to stop and catch my breath at the end. And here again, I have to praise your mood work. When Elrohir drags Halbarad ashore and Elladan gets him to breathe, there is a palpable feeling of relief. But it never once overshadows the fact that they are still running out of time and the dark urgency that drives them is still very present, even when Elrohir takes off to find the missing horses. The fact that they are waiting in no way mitigates the feeling that they are driven, and that is a testament to your work as an author. I also need to sing your praises for a fantastic characterization of both Elladan and Elrohir. They're alike yet not alike, and they remind me of the identical twins that I've known. Something sets them apart, but when they act, they act together. Or in harmony, one's actions complimenting the other's. There's a sense that things are being left unsaid but that both Elladan and Elrohir know what those things are and that they both understand them. And more praises are sung for the way you deal with the Bruinen and the more mystical side of Tolkien. Your touch becomes very, very light. All the elements from previous moods are still there, but there's now an element of something intangible. Something that can't be defined. And you keep it that way. You don't attempt to explain the unexplainable but rather leave it for the reader's imagination. And I think it's exactly how these things should be handled. Tolkien himself didn't explain too much, and that's part of what makes his world so magical. You uphold that tradition with a deft hand and ensure that the reader doesn't need an explanation. They accept that something is going on that defies their comprehension and they are content with that. And perhaps the most remarkable thing is that this perspective is told from Gandalf, who DOES understand some of what is happening but still manages to keep the reader out of the loop. Just as he does in his remarks to Halbarad and Dudo. And double kudos to you for your characterization of Glorfindel. He's a complicated character, and you've given him an almost poetic feel. I love his surprise upon discovering a hobbit in Rivendell (and the fact that he almost demanded an explanation) and I love the way he describes Elrond after Celebrian's departure. There was some beautiful imagery there. He has that mystical feel, and I'm discovering that all of Rivendell is filled with it. But there's also something very solid about him. It's an interesting study in contrasts, and it's nothing less than what I would expect from the renowned Balrog-slayer. The fact that Gandalf respects him enough to heed his commands says a lot, and I look forward to seeing his character develop. Next chapter! Author Reply: I seem to have blanked with one out - about all I remember about the bridge scene is how sick I was of writing movement on horseback. I really like that term you used - "dark urgency." It reminds me that this chapter presented a challenge to juggle the various levels and sources of danger with the occasional tension-releasing moment. And the Bruinen crossing - well, that scene ended up being in Gandalf's POV and I guess he was too exhausted to expend much effort reflecting on it. Gandalf was a challenge for me - the old dude likes to keep his thoughts to himself, sometimes. And Glorfindel was interesting to explore. Solid is a good word for him. I thought he and Gandalf would have a comfortable respect for each other. Fellow balrog-slayers and all! | |
| Thorongirl | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/28/2005 |
| Talk about a wild, rough and tumble ride. You really conveyed the sense of realism and danger in chapter three. Fascinating as always. Gandalf's self reflections were marvelous, the twins' matter of fact deeds exciting, the struggle to save Aragorn gripping. I'd love to leave more but it's pretty late and I'm struggling to make even this little bit coherent. (And besides, I just got a notice that you posted chapter four so I have to print that off and read it). I hope your muses continue to prod you after this story. There can never be enough good stories like this and you really are one of the best. Author Reply: Thanks, Thorongirl. I really appreciate your support and all the recommendations (and reviews!) you seed around the community, on behalf of me as well as other Aragorn writers. It must take a lot of effort but it sure is appreciated. | |
| lindahoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/27/2005 |
| Another truly gripping chapter, I thought they were all going to drown the water sounded terrifying,especially on a day one of my reviewers was telling me of her escape from a flood. You had me very worried about all the characters,especially Aragorn but now I hope again.This is a very enjoyable story. Author Reply: Wow, I hope your reviewer is OK! Thanks for the lovely review again; I appreciated your pointing me toward your story "The Hidden Days of Healing" over on ff.net - I am really enjoying it and have been meaning to leave you a review over there but got tied up trying to get chapter 4 out (which will hopefully happen in about five minutes.) | |
| fliewatuet | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/24/2005 |
| Phew! So they made it to Rivendell at last with only 'minor' inconveniences, like lost boots, limp horses, broken ribs and a knocked head, and Aragorn is out of immediate danger. I loved your choice of point of view, Gandalf's complaints about the body the Valar had chosen for him, seemingly ill-fitted for the task, and the way he, who usually helps others to fight despair, manages to maintain his own hope. And I liked the similarity of Elrond healing Aragorn and Elrond healing his own wife. Not to mention Elrond's real reason for staying behind after Celebrian left and what Aragorn means for him. Now all Elrond has to do is fix Aragorn's broken bones so that Everyone's Favourite Ranger can head off to face danger once more :-) Author Reply: Phew is right. I don't think you missed anything in the inventory of lost and damaged items, except maybe Gandalf's bruised backside. Well, I wanted to make sure they were all very, very glad to see Rivendell. Gandalf will be back to form by the next chapter. He just needs a good rest. Now all Elrond has to do is fix Aragorn's broken bones so that Everyone's Favourite Ranger can head off to face danger once more :-) He's busy with that right now. And hey, speaking of broken bones, where is the update of Doomed to Live? | |
| Estelcontar | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/24/2005 |
| I was away for a week, and dying to come back so that I could lay my hot little handses on the new chapter. And I survived reading it, which is saying a lot for the sturdiness of my heart. It was a great chapter. I don't know how I handled the stress of the crossing of the Hoarwell. I kept having to restrain myself from racing and skipping ahead to see what was going to happen. I'm so proud I managed to do it. I also loved the way you showed Elrond's love for Aragorn. One of the things I always read between the lines of the books was this love, and how bittersweet it really was, given that even though both wanted to spare the other they were bound to hurt each other, and not only because of Arwen. I'm sure you will make a wonderful and insightful job of portraying the two together. It was also a delight to see that Halbarad can be as stubborn Aragorn, and as foolish too. I always thought he could. I'll be haunting this place waiting for the next chapter. I just hope I don't have to haunt if for long. Author Reply: You sweetie! I wish I could say that when I was away for a week, I was dying to come back and write it. Congratulations on not skipping ahead. I always assume everyone has the same pathetic attention span I have, so it's really comforting to hear that the words I agonized over actually end up getting read! I'm glad the love came across. This was the easy part, I guess - only one of them was conscious. Good old stubborn Halbarad - but horses aren't cheap, you know! Boots, either, I suppose. But no one ever leaves Rivendell empty-handed. Supply sergeant Erestor will take care of him. | |
| Enigma | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/22/2005 |
| *too lazy to log in, sorry* Hi, mechinock! :) No, for once this review is NOT for you. It is for your MOM and DAD wishing them a happy belated wedding anniversary. Having been married for 58th years is truly something, a gift of time that was given to you, but also something one can never take for granted. A marriage and a partnership take constant care and work - just like the beautiful gardens of Rivendell. :) So even though we have never met personally let me wish you once again a happy belated anniversary and many years to come. I would also like to tell you that I consider your daughter one of the most gifted writing talents around and you have all the reason to be very proud of her - which I am quite sure you are without having some mid European lady telling you. :) I also thought it was incredibly sweet you reviewed your daughter's story. ;) Meckinock (I cannot let you go without a review after all, lol!), that was a wonderful, dramatic chapter. Once again it is the little moments that complete the story for me, moments such as Glorfindel thanking Gandalf for bringing Estel home. And even though the relationship between Elrond and Aragorn may not be without his problems it becomes so very clear how much Elrond loves and cares about his foster son, how much he is willing to sacrifice for him. I do hope father and son will have the chance to talk once Aragorn is better and talk about a few matters before Aragorn sets out again. I loved the part when Glorfindel recalls Elrond's answer that he was staying in Middle Earth because he was waiting for Estel; that he had been waiting for him for 500 years. Beautiful. As I said in my earlier review I love your style of writing tremendously, the pace, your characterisation... they are just beautiful and you are truly doing justice to Tolkien I feel. Oh and you totally cracked me up with what you said about us joining you as you go through your midlife crisis, lol! Never fear, this rangerlover isn't all that far away from those days, I am 37, so you do the math. :D Looking forward very much to the next chapter and wishing you a wonderful weekend. Again please forgive this non native speaker for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. :) Enigma Author Reply: Hi, Enignma, I'll take a backseat to my parents any day (and not just because they know all sorts of embarrassing stories about me.) They're a couple of very special people. On their behalf, I thank you for your very kind sentiments. And hey, thanks for sticking around to review the story! I imagine that the relationship between Elrond and Aragorn is somewhat complex and difficult, but out of circumstance; not because of any lack of love. So I tried first and foremost to make that love very evident, and I'm glad it came through. They'll have a chance to get it all out in the open; but maybe not right away :-) You're 37? You're getting close...life begins at 40, you know! As a non-native speaker of about 270 languages and an inveterate mangler of one, I ask forgiveness only for my own transgressions. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2005 |
| Gandalf would have rubbed his tattered tailbone, but he was bouncing faster than a mangy Tigger high on moldy mead and feared smashing the bones in his hand flatter than a supermodel's chest. He had no doubt that once his insides were no longer sloshing around like a Slushy machine at the Seven-Eleven, he was going to nab the first hungry ambulance chaser looking to see his name on the front page of the Valar Variety and get out of a contract he couldn't remember signing. All he knew about this plum deal was that he woke up one morning on a ship to The Other Side with the chorus line from 'Riverdance' stomping behind his baby blues and a tongue that felt like it had been used to mop the decks of the rocking tub he sloshing around in. There was also the matter of the garter belt. He had no idea that they came in his size. Blackmail--pure and simple. Also pinned to the cabin wall like a wanted poster was a wine-stained, ink-smeared job description with his John Henry that looked like Ungoliant had scratched it while dancing a grogged jig. He could make out the 'O'; he didn't need to see the rest to know what it said. The biggest bummer about the whole thing was not being able to decipher a fine print that would make a microscope go blind. Not only was he saddled with a job description blurrier than a window pane at Butterbur's, but the sad sack of bones he had been dumped in creaked like Tom Jones doing the Hula. He was certain when he got back to home base he was going to file for workman's comp and for damages incurred until he drained the cackles right out of the hides of a pack of droll deities who were about as funny as Sonny without Cher. Just as Olorin Gandalf was working his shorts into a wad tighter than a glob of Juicy Fruit stuck in his beard, Halbarad tossed out a string of colorful phrases that would make Eddy Murphy blush. Pulling up on his four-hoof drive, Gandalf took a gander of the landscape and found that he had wandered into 'Waterworld'. The river--aptly named the Hoarwell, as opposed to Hoarbadly--was wider than an old call girl's hips. And this old girl was spread out all over the place and sporting a stone and timber belt that was meant to point them to their destination. When he put on the brakes along side his traveling buddies, the bookend brothers assured Gandalf that the bridge had been sprinkled with pixie dust by their dusty old dad and would hold a herd of trampling oliphants. Not that the bridge mattered much. They were a galaxy far, far away from it and it was going to take a bigger bucket of bolts than The Millennium Falcon to lightspeed them over to it. Just as Gandalf was getting ready to point out that Noah wouldn't attempt to float this flood, one of the brothers beautiful spouted out his plan. For a moment, Gandalf just stared at the perfectly arched brows, the sleek black hair, and the delicately shaped face of this Elven Magellan and decided then and there that he had been ripped off bigger than when he ordered the Ginsu knives from The Dwarven Documentary Channel. When he got back to the Best Western Motel where he had been headquartered before finding himself cruising at forty knots toward the Land of Man, he was going to demand a body like this whelp of elf had gotten. Halbarad interrupted the wizard's wild wanking when he tossed the mimi morsel muncher into the rear seat behind Gandalf. "Here!" the PI said. "Take the dinky doughnut dapperling with you." Gandalf thought the gumshoe's sounded as jaggled as Sandra Bullock when she saw that her intended had more road maps drawn on his body than Rand McNally had in the Deluxe Hardbound Edition of X Marks the Spot. Taking a peek over at the object of this wild race to ruin, Gandalf saw that the ranger-without-hope was looking as washed out his own underwear, which made him wonder what the beautiful bookend brothers' skivvies looked like. A sneer that beat Elvis hands down lifted his lip. Yep, he was getting one of those elf models when he got home. With nothing to add to THE PLAN, Gandalf pushed his ride into high gear and took off after the beautiful brother. He didn't know or care which one he was following; Elves all look alike anyway. Downshifting into low, he hurled his ride into a flow of water so high that he was already planning who to blame when the Weather Channel interviewed him for 'Storm Stories'. Much to his surprise, he made it across to the other side of the river with the squat sausage snatcher wedged onto his back tighter than Brittney Spears' thong after Jazzercise. Just as it looked like they were all going to make it across the waterlogged bridge, a tree bigger than Howard Stern's ego whopped the bridge like the backhand of jilted Brady bride. The PI nearly made it to the rocking wreck of a deck, but in the last minute, his mare jolted, his stallion bolted and he floated...right into the drink. Beautiful-brother-number-two dashed into the water like Flipper looking to rumble with Jaws and just in the nick of time, caught the PI-perch and fished him back out. Now with more wounded than Captain Kirk with a crew of red shirts, Gandalf and the bookend brothers zoomed up to the next causeway to find it flowing faster than beer at a frat party. On the other side a host of dandy dons waited on them. Taking one good look at the goldilocks leading the troop of twinkle toes, Gandalf decided that he would demand a body as good as Buffy the balrog slayer and he would settle for no less. Without warning, Once they arrived at the House of the Last Homely Dusty Dad, said dad, turned on the porch light, and guided them into the ER. For hours, Gandalf felt like he needed Twiggy's toothpick legs to prop his eyes open as dusty dad seemed to be taking a nap with his hand plastered to the head of the nearly half-dead, almost gone, might-not-live-to-be-the-future-king-of-a-cement-city ranger. Finally, when dusty dad collapsed like a house of cards, Gandalf toddled off to find a balmy bed, a pulpy pillow and a cooperative coverlet. He sighed and for just one moment was grateful to powers that be that this didn't go on for four chapters. He dreamed of braiding his pretty hair. Rays' dog. I'm ashamed at how far behind this mangy hound has gotten in his reviews. To make amends, let me say that this one was not easy. Such a good chapter. There was so much excitement and such wonderful imagery to go with it. I loved this line: He could see now that Elrond was stretched so far outside himself that his own native light was already diminished to a flicker. There are far too many terrific lines and emotions in this chapter to name one by one, so I'll just say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved it! Karen Author Reply: I know it's been a horrible day, and I don't know how you pull this stuff out on a good day! I hope you know how much I love this (I and all the friendly critics who've been checking the review page religiously for two days anxiously waiting to hear from Ray's Dog.) This is such a treasure I just have to go print it out and laugh myself silly. It'll make me feel better! So, Dot, how many ways to describe Dudo are we up to? The discussion will reconvene in the usual venue... | |
| Mom | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2005 |
| Thank you for congrations on our 58th. wedding anniversary You flattered us letting all your friendly crictics know about us Love you, Mom Author Reply: Hi, Mom, Some of the friendly critics send their best wishes as well. I'm glad you and Dad had a good time celebrating yesterday. You know, of all the people who've read this chapter, you're probably the one one who was actually in a boat on a river yesterday. Aren't you glad you waited until today to read it? :-) Love you, too, and thanks for reading. You're a good sport. | |
| u no who | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2005 |
| Chapter 3 vergood but too long of a wait. Exellent flow of writing. I can allways feel like I'm right in the mimmde ot. This chapter all I could see was the mighty Missippissi. spell? oh well. As every one else I 'm waiting fo chapter 4 Great Stuff U NO WHO Author Reply: Hi, U No! Sorry to keep you waiting so long; hopefully Chapter 4 will not be so long in coming. I felt like I was in the middle of it writing it, too; I was worried I'd give myself nightmares. Thank goodness the Hoarwell is not as wide as the Mississippi or Elrohir would have had to start cutting down trees for a raft! Thanks for reviewing. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2005 |
| What a wonderfully tense, exciting chapter. The flight across the ford was wonderfully written - the danger and the urgency was very vivid. I loved your characterisations of everyone - Halbarad and Dudo, Gandalf, and of course the sons of Elrond. E2 were so brave and heroic! (Um ...I think I sound like a fangirl ... ;) Elrond's desperation for Aragorn, and his love for all his sons was also very clear. I'm glad his frantic healing attempt worked! Jay Author Reply: (Um ...I think I sound like a fangirl ... ;) No way. Not you! Glad you enjoyed the twins. Brave and heroic always! Not being an E2 specialist like some of you, I am grateful that you are all tolerating my portrayals so well. | |