Thinking ahead. Very practical, Ioreth. You might talk the hind leg off a donkey, but your brain is in the right place. (Get Elrond to send books from Imladris.)
Author's reply
Ioreth was the practical one. She, at least, knew where to find athelas even if she didn't know what it could be used for. I know that making her a midwife is more fanon than canon, but it seems like such a logical step for the 'the eldest of the women who served in that house'. Thanks!
Lia
· 10 May 2005
· Chapter 36: A Nice Pickle (Sam, Arwen)
This is just wonderful! You don't get to see Sam and Arwen interact that much with each other. ^_^
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm sure Arwen was both curious about the Hobbits and interested in the contents of the storerooms at Rivendell.
mirthor
· 10 May 2005
· Chapter 37: Juggling Act (House of Hurin)
Oh, I loved this. A new & exciting form of entertainment in the White City (or are we in Dol Amroth?) gives us a look into what their lives might normally be like. Is this just the ruling family enjoying this, or is the populace being entertained in a great hall in the lower circles?
The knowing glances between Denethor & Imrahil were priceless. I can imagine a conversation in the morning with the people from (Harad, I assume?) and the Steward - the acrobats lobbying for more performances, Denethor encouraging them to move on with heavily veiled threats & a deliciously wicked 'diplomatic' smile.
Author's reply
I saw this as a big hall in Minas Tirith, maybe even Merethrond, full of people. I wanted to work in tight ropes and trapeezes but ran out of words. Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, indeed! It would be so much more helpful if the enemy was stupid and did what you wanted him to do! I always thought Denethor would have given both his sons good advice. Thank you!
Elena Tiriel
· 6 April 2005
· Chapter 1: “Aragorn himself waits for a sign” (Aragorn, Gandalf)
P.S.
I haven't been reading fanfic for several weeks, so I just noticed that you posted this on my birthday. Thank you for the love (if unintentional) gift!
- Barbara ;-)
Author's reply
Most of these drabbles were written as birthday presents over at HASA anyway. I'm glad they can sometimes do double duty!
Elena Tiriel
· 6 April 2005
· Chapter 1: “Aragorn himself waits for a sign” (Aragorn, Gandalf)
Okay, Gwynnyd, I feel like I've just opened a pirates' chest full of jewels... these are truly inspiring.
Would you mind terribly much if I nominate some of them for the MEFA awards? (The most difficult part will be to select which ones move me the most...)
- Barbara
marastar
· 18 March 2005
· Chapter 23: The weaving is the easy part (Arwen)
Absolutely the best gap-filler I have ever read concerning Arwen during the War of the Ring, a character so often dismissed (even by me) as having stayed home and sewed. Here, her task becomes revolutionary.
Author's reply
Aragorn must have loved her for more than her pretty face. He had plenty of time to fall out of love with her if it was just infatuation. Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 14 March 2005
· Chapter 27: What's in a Name...? (Arwen)
These *are* short, more than occasionally sweet, and every one of them brilliant! I loved them every one! Thanks for sharing them!
Author's reply
These are definitely words to make an author's heart go pit-a-pat. Thank you so much and I'm glad you enjoyed them.
grumpy
· 13 March 2005
· Chapter 26: Do you think they assumed that when they named him? (Faramir, Eldarion)
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your drabbles, loved the one about Narsil, and Estel getting the idea to use it as a short stabbing sword. What was Tolkien thinking, letting the man run arround with a broken sword, hope he had a whole one someplace.
Author's reply
I have no idea what the Professor was thinking. It sounds very heroic though, deosn't it. I'm glad you liked that one, as it was the first drabble I ever wrote. It hooked me on the form. Thank you!
mirthor
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 25: On the West Slopes of Mindolluin (Boromir, Faramir)
Realistic characterizations - a young Boromir, still brash yet; Faramir clearly in his element.
Author's reply
Thank you! Getting 'realistic characterizations' even in a double drabble isn't easy. I'm glad you think I managed it.
mirthor
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 20: Two views for a stranger (Boromir, Elves)
This brings to light Boromir's almost exclusive army life and lack of skills as a ranger - another reason Faramir should have gone, as Boromir clearly believes here. Maddening to imagine the elves watching him for so long, yet not offering help. Makes one wonder if they could have helped at Amon Hen and chose not to.
Author's reply
After 110 days, I'm sure anyone would be eager for a little conversation. After all, even Gandalf, in The Hobbit, had trouble finding the route to Rivendell. "The only path was marked with white stones some of which were small, and others were half covered with moss or heather. Altogether it was a very slow business following the track, even guided by Gandalf, who seemed to know his way about pretty well." Thank you for the review.
mirthor
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 19: Second Watch (Pippin, Boromir)
Oh, very nice - that last line made the drabble.
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, for all that he pushed for the leave to go himself, I'm sure there were times when Boromir would have preferred to be back in Gondor.
I'm sure he does not envy it, wholly relieved as to the source of those calluses - a nice moment between 2 characters we don't often see together.
Author's reply
Thank you! This was one of the first drabbles I wrote and it's still one of the one's I like best.
mirthor
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 10: Dragon of the North (Denethor, Ecthelion, Aragorn)
Interesting take - that Ecthelion assumed to rid himself of Thorongil until he saw the star - are you implying he knew then Thorongil's identity? Certainly possible. A nice take & I enjoyed Denethor's thoughts - his sense of betrayal was palpable.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! I saw it more as Denethor had 'overpersuaded' his father to dismiss Thorongil, and Ecthelion just overriding Denethor's wishes once he actually met him.
Lia
· 7 March 2005
· Chapter 26: Do you think they assumed that when they named him? (Faramir, Eldarion)
I read all of your drabbles and they're all so wonderful! ^_^ You truly have a gift and I hope you continue to share your stories with us.
P.S. I especially loved the drabbles concerning Aragorn, Arwen, and Eldarion. They're not easy characters to write, Arwen in particular. Love your insights and eloquence. ^_^
Author's reply
Thank you! That is a very nice thing for an author to hear! I will certainly continue to share anything I write.