Wherever the Prompt Might Lead by Larner
Fiondil · 18 December 2008 · Chapter 18: Monkeyshines
Poor Boromir and Faramir! *lol* That'll larn them, it will. Love this one, Larner. You're actually doing very well getting all the prompts into these ficlets. Can't wait for the last one.
Author's reply
Yes, they have learned the impropriety of bringing someone else's monkey into the Citadel, at least! And am so glad there are only seven days--and additional words--to do!
Rhyselle · 18 December 2008 · Chapter 18: Monkeyshines
Mwhahahahahahahahaha! Oh, what a sight that must have been! And I loved the inclusion of Hurin. The Steward's heirs rescued from well-earned durance vile by their cousin. *grin* You are amazing! I totally admire your creativity in getting the words into the story!
Author's reply
Go to the LiveJournal site for There and Back Again and check out Dwim's and Nancylea's offerings--they are proving quite entertaining, too! Heh! And it was fun to work Hurin into the story as well. Thanks so, Rhyselle.
Kitty · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
*lol* Abelard knows how to get around his violin lesson. Very clever done.
Author's reply
Oh, yes--but what else would you expect of Pippin's grandfather? Heh! Thanks, Kitty.
Kitty · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 16: At the Wedding Feast
It must really getting more and more difficult to include all these words in such short ficlets - I'm impressed that you still manage! Oh yes, that's the sort of loyality Aragorn is inspiring in people, isn't it?
Author's reply
Yes, it is getting harder, and I'm glad so many are appreciating how I'm managing. As for the new server--yes, he's a prime example of that very quality. Aragorn would usually bring out the best in folks, I think. Thanks, Kitty.
Kitty · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 15: Aftermath
Energy in bottles? Now, that's an idea! But I know how they feel. Some weeks ago I had friends staying over with their two years old daughter - three adults were just enough to keep her out of mischief! Hm, Frodo got a violin? No, somehow I can see him singing and dancing, but not really playing the violin.
Author's reply
It can be wearing, dealing with an energetic young child who's full of curiosity, and I can just see Pippin as that type of child! Nor can I see Frodo as a violinist--but I do have that blessed word to fit into the story, so SOMEONE had to get one! Heh! Thanks, Kitty.
Linda Hoyland · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
Clever boy to get out of his violin lesson! I enjoyed this.
Author's reply
Yes, quite the clever lad indeed, but then he is the Old Took's grandson and grandfather to Pippin, after all. Heh! Thanks, Linda.
Linda Hoyland · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 16: At the Wedding Feast
You have me intruiged who is getting married here!
Author's reply
Oh, it's the wedding feast for Aragorn and Arwen. Sorry--didn't make that clear. But it would be one of the first times I can think of when Gimli and Galadriel might discuss the housing for Gimli's reliquary.
Antane · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 16: At the Wedding Feast
Another fun one! I like the part of Gimli and Galadriel and the loyalty that 'monkey' of a man gave to Aragorn. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it, Antane. And if anyone can inspire loyalty in folks, it appears to be Aragorn son of Arathorn.
Antane · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
More of that monkey - he certainly is getting around in these stories, isn't he? :) More fun I suppose than to have that lesson! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, as we have to use the word monkey, it seems that this one monkey at least seems to fill the bill a fair amount! Heh! And travelers' tales are always more fun than lessons--even music lessons! Thanks, Antane.
harrowcat · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
Been there. *grin* Haven't done enough practice? Get the teacher talking.
Author's reply
Yes, we did it, and it's been done to me, too! Heh! Thanks so, Harrowcat.
6336 · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
That monkey is proving to be very useful! Kepp them coming, Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, it's useful, for which I'm glad as we have to work the word into the stories repeatedly. Seven more days....
Andrea · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
Good old uncle Isengar and his adventures! What would we (or you) do without him! And I agree with Dreamflower. All the words sounded so "right" where you placed them. I'm really impressed. Seven days (or words) to go :)
Author's reply
I'm honored, Andrea. And I'm finding I like Isengar. Thanks so!
Cairistiona · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
Sneaky lad, getting out of his violin lesson! I wonder how long before Isengar caught on. ;)
Author's reply
But of course! Heh! As for how long before Isengar caught on--well, he might well have been just as glad to have a day off lessons, too! Thanks!
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
Hahahaha! How many times have I seen kids and young people do this (or done it myself...always by accident, of course, I would *never* do it on purpose, heeheehee!)? "Quick, let's bring up something else before we can really get started!" LOL Too funny! *rushes off for lunch and a ton of caffeine to make up for last night...er I mean this morning...and then more endless college aps*
Author's reply
Well, of course we do it only by accident, don't we? Heh! And hope you're not too tired today. Am exhausted myself. Thanks so, my Lady.
Rhyselle · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
*giggle* I like this one a lot! :) I'm enjoying the references to Isengar in this series. Teeny, tiny snippets, but they paint a very clear picture. Good job!
Author's reply
I'm glad this one is granting giggles, as this technique has been used successfully on me when I was teaching! Heh! I'm finding it fun exploring Isengar's personality. It's as if he'd been introduced to me by Lindelea and now I'm getting to know him on my own! Heh!
Dreamflower · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 17: Avoiding the Lesson
Oh clever little Abelard, to distract his uncle from the lesson like that! It's not hard to get an old sailor talking of his journeys, is it? I continue to be astounded at how natural this constant litany of words can sound in each new setting!
Author's reply
Oh, but of course, as clever children have done throughout history! And thanks so for the comments. It's definitely a challenge working the same words into story after story!
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 16: At the Wedding Feast
Oh I love Gimli and Galadriel. :)
Author's reply
And I do, too, obviously! Thanks so for all the comments. As I said, you made my day! This evening has been--difficult!
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 15: Aftermath
Awww Pippin! And we see the treasures again.
Author's reply
Yup! At least a few! Heh! And young Pippin must have been a handful!
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 14: Grief for the Living Son
Again I see my need to read The Silmarillion and the other background material. This strikes a cord anyway, even though I don't know the characters except from glimpses.
Author's reply
Another of the tragedies among the Elves. Feanor and Nerdanel had seven sons before he crafted the Silmarils. When Melkor stole them and killed his father Finwe, and had Ungoliant poison the two Trees for him, Feanor went mad and vowed to retrieve the great gems of Light at all costs. He convinced the Noldor Elves to follow him to the mortal lands to retrieve the gems, convinced that Valar were merely trying to control them and keep them subjugated. His sons joined in his vow, and it cost them everything. In the end Maglor alone was left alive, unable to return to the Undying Lands, and unable even to fulfill his father's vow as all three Silmarils were lost, one with his older brother Maedhros into a volcanic rift; one he'd tried to steal when they'd been won back by the Valar when it burned his hand and he cast it into the Sea; and the last one bound upon Earendil's brow as he sails as the morning and evening star. So Maglor continued wandering the shores of Middle Earth, sometimes playing upon his harp. He's one of the characters most written about from the Silmarillion.
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 13: The Miscreant
Awww! So cute!
Author's reply
Monkeys can be cute, but can also be royal pains in the patoot! Heh!
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 12: Isengar's Treasures from the Mathom Room
Oh yes, Frodo would adore a toy animal never seen before in those parts. Love how leary of it Primula is. :)
Author's reply
Am glad you appreciate this, my Lady. Thanks.
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 11: Assuring his Welcome
LOL It amazes me how many uses you find for these elements; it's brilliant.
Author's reply
It's getting much harder now, though, trying to fit all the words into the ficlets. I've made all these so far into drabbles and a half, limiting them to a hundred fifty words. I don't know how much longer I can keep them this short, however. Some are doing this in full drabbles. When we reach Christmas Eve and have twenty-four words to work in--that would be a killer! And particularly as we must work in forks, monkeys, and cookies now! Crystals and bottles are easy to work in, and I've not had too much difficulty even with locks and holes. But monkeys? Thanks! And I loved imagining Pippin planning ahead like this. "Oh, what did I do in Harad? Saved Aragorn a few times and lent the crown prince my mail and fought against traitors.... You don't really mind all that, do you, Diamond dearling? Oh, but I brought you this...."
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 10: The Ringbearer Prepares to Sail
Wow, what powerful imagery. It's almost poetry. He had worn the Ring as a pendant about his neck, a silver chain threaded through a hole of gold fit to swallow the world. The Ring had been prepared to drink his life and the Light of his Being as if from a bottle, breaking the lock that guarded his heart and emptying his soul. Ever he had been played upon as if he were the string of a violin, the note trued by the vibration of a celestial fork. Wow.
Author's reply
Thank you so. Sometimes the necessary spareness of fixed-length ficlets works to promote more intense imagery, and sometimes it's just not enough to allow for the story elements one wishes to convey. This time it works.
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 9: The Coverup
Oh dear, oh dear. *tsk tsk* LOL
Author's reply
Glad it made you giggle! Loved thinking of the brothers Mir being a bit rebellious for a change! Heh!
Queen Galadriel · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 8: Foresight
Pippin stood already upon the prow of stone, looking beyond the wharf of the Harlond, down the length of the river that lay silver beneath the moon, toward the distant blue glimmer that whispered of the sea. Beautiful Poor Pippin.
Author's reply
I loved making this a bit plaintive. Am so glad it speaks to you! Thank you!