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The Fords of Isen  by Branwyn 16 Review(s)
daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2005
What a great read, Branwyn! I was as absorbed in the story as Elfwine. You did a nice job of letting us guess the identities of the ghosts but still keeping things mysterious. I particularly liked the detail that water poured off of Boromir.

Author Reply: Thank you for writing, and I am glad that you liked my ghost story. Yes, poor Boromir is in rather changed circumstances, though he seems to have adapted well. :-)

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2005
I *love* this! A ghost story where the ghosts aren't evil but helpful is unusual, but very effective. The story still has an eerie, chilling atmosphere though - well done!

I think that Théodred would have preferred a whole cask of ale though, rather than just one cup!


Jay

Author Reply: Thanks for your kind comments! If I succeeded in creating an eerie story, then I am happy. :-)

I think that Théodred would have preferred a whole cask of ale though, rather than just one cup!
LOL! As I wrote that scene, I was thinking, "So I am ending this story with a keg party in a graveyard..."





BodkinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/20/2005
What a terrific story. Boromir and Theodred are just as great dead. Although being constantly dripping must be a bit of a trial. The touch of oysters attaching themselves to Boromir's shield was delightful. I really enjoyed seeing these two catch up with each other - they must hope for regular orc attacks on the Fords of Isen, just to give them something to occupy them.

Great background, too - the whole build-up of disapproving grandmother getting drawn into the story, the loom, the cold floor, the blanket. And the real horror of the times and the attack on the farm, that set off a pair of ghosts who were the heroes of the day.

Loved it.

Author Reply: Thank you for the kind comments.

Although being constantly dripping must be a bit of a trial. The touch of oysters attaching themselves to Boromir's shield was delightful.
Poor, waterlogged Boromir! :-D After lying at the bottom of the sea for so long, he has undergone a sea change of sorts. I thought of the verse
Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made...


You are right that those two will become bored without anything to fight. After the neighborhood has been rid of orcs, trolls, and wargs, maybe they can help to train the local soldiery?

I am glad that you enjoyed this story!


Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/20/2005
I just loved the way you built up the tension here,a perfect ghost story for a chilly night.You do Tolkien proud !

Author Reply: You do Tolkien proud !

Thank you so much--I can think of no higher praise than that. :-)

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/20/2005
Ooooh, what a lovely ghost story!

I almost feel sorry for the Orcs - they must have had such a shock when Theodred awakened to do some house-cleaning.

Theodred and Boromir are the cutest, sweetest ghosts, despite the bad odors (which they couldn't help). I loved their conversation, old friends talking of battles, and their full, rather ironic knowledge of their own deaths.

And the details, the physical description of Thorstan's house and its inhabitants, are marvelous.

I'm soooooooooo glad that Thorstan's mare was smart enough to keep out of the Orcs' reach.



Author Reply: Thank you for the kind review!

I almost feel sorry for the Orcs - they must have had such a shock when Theodred awakened to do some house-cleaning.
Hee, hee! I am sure he was more than a little annoyed to wake up and see their ugly faces. Talk about cranky first thing in the morning...

I'm soooooooooo glad that Thorstan's mare was smart enough to keep out of the Orcs' reach.
No way was I going to let those orcs hurt the poor horse! :-D

annmarwalkReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/20/2005
This is such a wonderful tale, and a memorable gift - thank you so much!

I love the little details that demonstrate so well your devotion to your craft: the grandmother's weaving and the noises of her loom; when she stops pretending not to listen and sits down by the fire to listen to the tale, keeping her hands busy; the care that Prince Theodred takes to clean his weaponry after the battle.
Little things like that make the story extraordinarily vivid.

The friendly, teasing encounter between Boromir and Theodred is just perfect - two old friends, reunited after a long absence, catching up on the details of each other's life (and death).

Author Reply: You are welcome, and the pleasure was mine--it was great fun to write a story about those two ghosts. Since there is no stainless steel cutlery in MiddleEarth, Prince Theodred takes care to clean the sword to keep it from rusting (he may be dead, but he's no slacker). I am happy that you enjoyed your birthday story!

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