Raksha The Demon · 8 January 2005 · Chapter 3: An Unexpected Party
I've read this drabble before; and it hasn't lost its luster - smooth and subtle as Denethor on his best day, and shiny and alluring as a scale on Smaug's gleaming hide.
Author's reply
And I am still glad that you like it! I figured after four years of vain attempts to figure out Thorongil, Denethor was about to try something new. - smooth and subtle as Denethor on his best day, and shiny and alluring as a scale on Smaug's gleaming hide. Wonderfully phrased! I'll read and reread this review over and over again for this phrase alone :-)