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The Legend Of The Grey Riders  by Jay of Lasgalen 20 Review(s)
Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/1/2012
Hi Jay,

I just re-read this, and want to thank you again for this sparkling gem of a ficlet!

It is is just delightful, from the vividly described setting, to Ėomer following the best traditions of story-telling -- including distortions for dramatic effect, to the surprised comments by E2 and Ėowyn's shushing, to the dawning awareness on the part of Faramir and the decision to not get between the squabbling siblings.

Some of my favorite bits:

"That is not quite how I recall it"

"Hush!... You might learn something of our history!"

"Who the two mighty warriors were, legend does not tell."

"Not quite like that, no,"

"The bards of old were not always accurate."

"You do not want to hear the old arguments!" "Oh, but we do"

"You will never stop him now!"

"You did not believe in Elves or Halflings either!"

"I have never been described as an agent of the Valar before,".... "It certainly has a better ring than spawn of Melkor as Erestor called us."

"In a manner of speaking …"

"It is never wise to become embroiled in an argument between siblings …"

Well, maybe I should have just said that the whole thing is absolutely brilliant! Most especially well done, Jay!

- Barbara

pipinheartReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/28/2008
very nice...

I love the comments Elladan and Elrohir say as the story is being told. And the fact that the ledgend was about them is funny. If only others knew...may not believe it if they were told though...

nice work...

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/24/2008
I love this story - a delightful take on an incident that surely could have happened - the Elf-twins get to hear the recital of their own deeds and the speculation it has caused down the years among the Rohirrim. And of course, sharp-as-a-tack Faramir guesses the truth while Eowyn and Eomer are arguing about the legendary "Grey Riders".

Fresh and funny, with a nod towards a slightly esoteric turn of Middle-earth history.

Author Reply: I see this as a gap-filler. The twins were there at the Ride of Eorl, and there again at the funeral of Théoden - and surely the bards and lore-masters would have told the old tales? Tolkien himself shrouded the event in mystery, so it was fun to play with the legends that would have arisen.

I'm so glad you enjoyed this!


Jay

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/20/2008
Good grief - what an incredible story! And I loved how enthusiastic Eomer was as he recounted the tale. And Eowyn's pleasure at his performance....

Yet - I laughed out loud as Ellan wondered at his own recollection.

Then - I rolled on the floor laughing as Elladan responded to Eomer's question - not quite like that!

And the Coup d'état - spawn of Melkor - you killed me with that line!!!

I assume it is because the twins have had 'dealings' with their own sibling, Arwen, that has made them so wise.

Incredibly delightful tale. Thank you for the joy-filled moment!

Author Reply: This was actually meant to be more solemn and reflective when the twins realised the part they'd played in Rohan's history. Somehow it just didn't come out like that, and the story wrote itself like this. Darn muses!


erunyauveReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008
>>"You were there?" At Elrohir's nod, Faramir continued, "Then you would be able to solve this debate once and for all! Did you see these Riders? Were they really there like the legends say?"

Told with the love of a true storyteller! Some legends are best left as legends.


Author Reply: 'Some legends are best left as legends.'

Yes - so much myth and mystery surrounds the legend. Can you imagine the disappointment if the twins just said 'It was us'?


RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2008
A most clever and enjoyable tale!

Author Reply: Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed!


LiannaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2008
I'm glad the twins didn't tell. Faramir could deal with the truth, I think, but I don't think Eomer and Eowyn could. It would be just a little too weird for them and might make them uncomfortable with Elladan and Elrohir in the future.

It's amazing to think, though, that this story comes from so early in the history of the Rohirrim and that the twins were there. It really emphasizes the difference between Elves and Men.



Author Reply: An event from the history books for the Rohirrim, and a fairly recent event for E2. How strange it would be - like meeting someone who knew King Arthur.

KestrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2008
Oh, I loved this! Especially Eowyn's "Hush! Listen to Eomer's tale", I think E2 were glad the table was between them, and that she didn't come over it at them! You go, girl! LOL! It's very much in character for Faramir to catch on first, and he'll probably keep the secret. Better, I think, because Eowyn and Eomer are so earnest in their innocence, and so proud of Eorl.

Author Reply: Originally I planned for the twins to hear the tale and say 'We were there', and have everyone amazed by them. Then I realised that making it a great mystery would be much more interesting! I think Faramir will tell Eowyn at least.

aranel goldenflowerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2008
Ahh I loved it, It was great. And the twins are so right in not telling anyone about them being the riders! perhaps someday someone will realise....or Faramir would let it slip out!

Aranel

Author Reply: I'm certain Faramir will tell Eowyn before long, even if she doesn't work it out for herself. I would love to see her expression!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2008
Oh Jay, that was funny! I was snickering through the whole ficlet. Quite the experience for the twins to listen to that and then to Éomer and Éowyn arguing about it! And yay for Faramir for figuring it out so fast.

I am torn about telling the siblings - on the one hand, it's probably better to keep out of the argument, but on the other hand I'd love to see their faces when they realise they now have fought alongside these legends, too!

Thanks for the laugh!

Author Reply: I think the twins will let the story be known eventually - and Eomer and Eowyn would have worked it out for themselves if they hadn't been so busy arguing. It would be strange to find such legendary characters sitting at your table!

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