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| Branwyn's Baubles by Branwyn | 93 Review(s) |
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| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 1/22/2006 |
| A fascinating look at a part of Eowyn's life seldom seen in fanfiction - that of the Lady of a lord's household, entailing the proper physical maintenance of the home and everything in it. I like the way you write Eowyn here; definitely not a "desperate housewife" or a wild thing trammeled in a cage; but a young wife taking on the tasks she is expected to do, as a job to be done rather than a burden to be shouldered. Her melancholy reaction to the sorrow evoked by the clothing left behind by Faramir's dead father, mother and brother is understandable. Yet Eowyn is strong enough, and practiced enough, to praise the old housekeeper for her skill - she has managed servants before and knows that compliments are as important as discipline. Your understanding of medieval textiles, their composition and care, enriches this ficlet. Author Reply: I have to admit that I was annoyed at Eowyn's seeming bewilderment when confronted with the duties of a chatelaine in the Helm's Deep scenes in the movie. None of this would have been new or surprising to her. Yet Eowyn is strong enough, and practiced enough, to praise the old housekeeper for her skill - she has managed servants before and knows that compliments are as important as discipline. And Eowyn would realize that the poor servants are probably more than a little worried about having a wild shield-maiden of the North as their mistress! Best to reassure them. Thanks so much for commenting! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 1/22/2006 |
| Very sad. There were so many things Aragorn probably wanted to say to Boromir, and here he's denied his chance again. But he was right to let Boromir go to find peace... | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 1/22/2006 |
| This is so cuuuuuuuuuute! Little Elboron drawing pink Oliphaunts; how sweet, but real. Loved it that he drew Eomer to be as big as an Oliphaunt - of course! And Faramir is a kind, encouraging father. Also, Faramir's compassion towards even dangerous, destructive animals is quite visible here; when, years after he faced Oliphaunts in battle, he can pity them. Author Reply: I think that war elephants had to be goaded and driven into battle (male elephants being naturally agressive against other male elephants but not against humans), and Faramir probably knew that. The poor Oliphaunts were not evil creatures, just unlucky enough to be captured by Sauron's allies. By the way, in historic battles, elephants often behaved just like that mumak in Ithilien--panicking and trampling everyone and anyone in sight. Though I am sure that Sauron was willing to accept a certain amount of collateral damage to his own troops. Thanks for the kind review! | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 1/22/2006 |
| Too funny! You've added a dimension of - not humanness, of course, but vitality and humor to the rather dull elves of the films. but why am I picturing Elladan and Elrohir as the Weasley twins? *grin* Author Reply: Thanks! Seemed to me that they should be funny and a little wild (though maybe not quite as silly as the Weasley twins). After all, book!Legolas has a good sense of humor. | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 1/22/2006 |
| Loyalty, fear, guilt - I can very easily imagine the thoughts that have been going through this courtier's mind; not only during the horrific events of the siege but the reflective time afterward. I hope that Faramir will be able to help him expiate his guilt, and that he will be able to find a measure of peace. Author Reply: I do wonder what became of those servants. In the book, Gandalf tells them that they were not to blame for what happened; they had been forced to make a difficult choice. And Faramir would have forgiven them (who knew better than he how intimidating Denethor could be?). However, I think that people in Minas Tirith would still look askance at the servants and that they would continue to feel guilty. Thanks for commenting! | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 1/22/2006 |
| What quiet delight Faramir and Beregond must find in a world so at peace that the terrors of the past are now disarmed by a child's innocence. I love that Elboron is a child of such joy that he cannot imagine a creature that would not be smiling; I also love the detail of his tall uncle towering above all other men! Author Reply: I also love the detail of his tall uncle towering above all other men! Much more honest than using accurate perspective, LOL! Sort of like the Egyptian tomb paintings where the pharaoh is three times as tall as anyone else in the scene. I love how children draw in such an uninhibited style; it's a shame that we unlearn it. I think Elboron would be very upset if he realized that any of the Oliphaunts were actually killed in the battle; hence Faramir's careful remark that it was not impossible that the Oliphaunts found their way home. Thanks for your kind words! | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 1/22/2006 |
| *weeps* Alas for Boromir! That his own sense of guilt caused him to number himself among the faithless. And poor Aragorn, noticing his presence too late to offer forgiveness and reconciliation. | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 1/22/2006 |
| I feel for the poor housekeeper - keeping tally of the household's loss by the fabric left behind. Denethor; Boromir (the imagery of his surcotte swirling as he paces is exquisite!); most heartrending of all, the unborn daughter Finduilas longed for in vain. The details you've added - the dyeing and weaving terms, and line about Eowyn's rough skin catching on the silk - are like embroidery, adding richness and texture to the somber fabric of your tale. Lovely. Author Reply: For the housekeeper, her memories of these beloved people are bound up with common household objects, and she is probably afraid that Eowyn will want to use the fabric or give it away. But, fortunately, Eowyn is sensitive enough to understand that these are mementos of the dead. Thanks for your kind review! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/1/2005 |
| A lovely little reminder, amidst their happiness, of the losses Faramir and Eowyn have suffered, and the kinsmen who perished - Theoden, Theodred, Boromir and Denethor. Well done as usual. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/31/2005 |
| Yes, a reminder of growth and live in the stone city of the Tower of Guard.... | |