Sundry Scrolls III by Raksha The Demon
Linda Hoyland · 20 June 2009 · Chapter 12: XII. Day's Ending (Halbarad)
This is a very moving glimpse of poor Halbarad's last moments. I love his courage and dignity here, which fit well with the foresight Tolkien shows us that he has.His devotion to ARagorn is especially touching and his feelings for Minas Tirith.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I think Halbarad was an especially brave man; and I believe he would have faced his death with fortitude.
Linda Hoyland · 20 June 2009 · Chapter 11: XI. Aspiration (Faramir)
What a devoted son Faramir is to revere his father above all!I loved his list of heroes.An enjoyable glimpse of of young Faramir,who I imagine enjoys his lessons.
Author's reply
I think this might have been a time when Faramir and his father were quite close, before Faramir's natural independant streak probably widened during adolesence. I'm sure he had a long list of heroes and even some heroines; the adult Faramir seems to have had a keen appreciation of courage. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Linda.
Inzilbeth · 7 June 2009 · Chapter 10: X. Forbidden Fruit (Anárion)
Raksha, you are one of the few authors whose works I always read whatever the subject or characters, but I love all this Second Age stuff so this was a real treat. I hope you expand on these events further. Well done.
Author's reply
What nice things to say - thanx, Inzilbeth! Not sure when the Anarion muse will return, but this one was fun to write and I did like Anarion as a character. The Second Age is fascinating, isn't it - But then I've always liked the Numenoreans (or at least the ones that weren't Sauron-enthralled or into enslaving Middle-earth)...
Virtuella · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 9: IX. Filling the Breach
"Peace was such a new and precious thing!" That was my favourite sentence here. The Gondorians would have had much to learn in that respect!
Author's reply
It must have been marvelous for the people of Minas Tirith and the Pelennor to be able to look toward the Ephel Duath and not fear an invasion by Sauron's forces; to know that they could look forward to peace instead of just backward to past greatness. Gondor had suffered from the Shadow's influence for too long. Thanx for reviewing, Virtuella!
Linda Hoyland · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 10: X. Forbidden Fruit (Anárion)
This is just beautiful.I love the bond between the brothers and the magical,mystical feel of this piece,simply outstanding!It is rare for me to enjoy a Simarillion story too,so well done in capturing my interest and enthusiasm!
Author's reply
I was going for a mix of myth and magic; so I'm glad some of it came through. I'm pleased that you liked this Silm-based ficlet. Thanx for the review!
Linda Hoyland · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 9: IX. Filling the Breach
I liked the emphasis on rebuilding and renewal and Faramir's interest and concern.
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing the vignette, Linda. There would be a lot of rebuilding going on for months and years in Minas Tirith and Osgiliath; but there would be some urgency in repairing holes in the defenses first and patching up holes and ditches in the road to make way for the return of the King and thousands of troops.
Larner · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 9: IX. Filling the Breach
Indeed an excellent look at the life of one after the victory who is seen only briefly in RotK. Ever there will be breaches that will need to be filled, and certainly both the breach of the lost gate and that of the captaincy are now being properly filled. Very nice!
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing the story, Larner. There would have been many losses to Gondor's troops between the battle of the bridge (Osgiliath) in 3018 to the Pelennor Retreat and Battle and then the battle at the Black Gate in March 3019; so there would have been many sudden promotions. Now at least Minas Tirith and Gondor will have peace from Mordor, and a season or two of peace to start growing and rebuilding again, and no more fear of the Shadow.
shirebound · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 10: X. Forbidden Fruit (Anárion)
That's a lovely story, full of love and hope.
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Shirebound; I'm glad you liked Anarion's tale.
Virtuella · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 10: X. Forbidden Fruit (Anárion)
I'm being lazy and just pasting my MEFA review: Very rarely do I read Silmarillion-based fanfics. I only read the Silmarillion twice, and it was a long time ago, so I was a little bit lost here, having only very vague notions about what happened in Numenor. But in this case it mattered not. This impressive ficlet draws its strength from the beautifully finished prose and the simple, very effective composition. The three paragraphs beginning with “never” structure the text clearly and neatly, as does the inversion of the three italicized verbs. Imagery is crisp and evocative, and the flow and rhythm of the language are aesthetically pleasing. The urgency and the looming despair are very well conveyed, and you show beautifully how the brothers are both similar and different. It is an especially memorable moment when Anárion decides not to wipe off from the fruit his brother’s blood and it his plea to accept the sacrifice of his own life in lieu of his brother’s escapes the melodramatic tone this might easily have taken. The glimpses of the future are appropriately handled and add to the overall appeal of the story. I enjoyed this ficlet very much indeed.
Author's reply
Thanx for such a thorough and well-thought out review, Virtuella. I think the brothers were very different, Isildur flamboyant and the star of the family, Anarion more an unsung hero who is known for quiet competence. But I think they would have worked well together and loved each other. The ficlets sort of wrote themselves; I had fun with the mythic stature of Elendil's sons and their links with the White Tree of the Kings...
Dreamflower · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 9: IX. Filling the Breach
Very nice! I like the double meaning of the title. Yes, they are busy filling the breach in the wall, but also, new men are rising up to fill the breach of those who are fallen, as the new King and his Steward labor to rebuild Gondor. I like this, and like Ingold for both his modesty and his practicality.
Author's reply
Oh, you got it right, Dreamflower! The story here is about rebuilding, and raising what was broken - walls and men. Ingold and Faramir have both witnessed terrible battle, been wounded and survived to help restore Minas Tirith. And I do see Ingold as a practical man; he's been a soldier to both defend his homeland and, now, to make a good living and protect (and enlarge) his family. Thanx for reviewing!
Virtuella · 28 May 2009 · Chapter 7: VII. Glitter (Elrond, Annatar)
"A harmless request. So why do I shiver?" That's an excellent line. I liked the tone of this ficlet, and the present tense worked very well here.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the ficlet; Virtuella; and thanx for reviewing. That Annatar was certainly a charmer, but there was evil and greed under the charisma...
Virtuella · 28 May 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
I like this very much. It evokes a lovely image of Ioreth sitting by the fireside with her little granddaughter and remembering this most crucial of days. And I'm happy that you included the reference to hair of Faramir and Eowyn, that has always been one of my favourite images in the book.
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Virtuella. I had fun writing Ioreth; a character I've always liked. Of course I couldn't omit the bit with my favorite couple kissing on the walls with hair of raven and gold mingling in the wind...Sigh.
Linda Hoyland · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
I love your depiction of Ioreth here,so brave and so dedicated.I liked her relationship with young Bergil and the lad's desire to defend her. Also a lovely glimpse of Faramir and Eowyn.I great story for March 25th!
Author's reply
Whoops, I'm late answering this one. Anyway, thanx for the review, Linda. I think Ioreth has a kind heart. Bergil would want to follow his father's example in being a brave Guardsman, and would consider it his duty to defend Ioreth. It just seemed very natural that Bergil would take up his dagger at that point...And of course, Faramir and Eowyn would have their moment too, between shadow and sun.
Earosse · 30 March 2009 · Chapter 1: I. Employee Review (Nazgûl)
This is hilarious! You had me laughing out loud! Great job.
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing, Earosse; I'm glad you were moved to laughter. I did have a fiendishly fun time imagining and writing the story. Bet that the Nine never thought they could be objects of derision instead of fear...
Celeritas · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
Yay, Ioreth! All of this was quite lovely, but that last image of Merry dancing with Bergil stayed with me... *grin* I love New Year fics.
Author's reply
Dear Merry of course would have an even greater understanding of what caused the Shadow to fall, and I could see the joy just spilling out of him; he just has to dance with someone, and Pippin's not there, and Bergil is (the kid's also closer to Merry in height than Gondorian adults). I'm sure that Pippin and Bergil got to know each other a little during those ten days between the Battle of the Pelennor and March 25... Thanks for the review, Celeritas!
Inzilbeth · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
Yours is a most convincing Ioreth, and I love the idea of her looking out for Faramir and Eowyn and mothering Bergil. Very well done.
Author's reply
Ioreth is not someone I normally write, being usually more drawn to the more lordly folk, but I always admired her; so I'm glad you found my version of her to be convincing. I was sure that she'd be still be bringing medicines (or at least mixing them) for Faramir and Eowyn, and it just happened that she was the one to be there with Bergil when it looked like Doom would fall; Ioreth was a kind-hearted woman and would try to 'mother' him at that moment.
Lissas Elves · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 7: VII. Glitter (Elrond, Annatar)
So the blood of Lúthien didn't fail Elrond!I like this idea a lot. It provides a good explanation why Elrond and (perhaps mostly on the herald's advice?) Gil-galad shun the Giver of Gifts, while the Mirdain accepted him. Annatar must indeed have been an exquisite disguise, for Celebrimbor was no fool (and what exactly was it that aroused his suspicions towards the end?)
Author's reply
The blood of Luthien is held in high esteem even thousands of years later in the late Third Age; so I thought that it would be still quite powerful in her great-grandson. Plus, Elrond would have been less avid for new technologies; which was the bait that Annatar used to ensnare the Jewel-Smiths. I'm sure that Annatar was exquisitely disguised, and knew how to dissemble so that even the brilliant minds of Celebrimbor and other Noldor couldn't penetrate his defenses. Tolkien said that when Sauron first put on the One Ring that he forged in Mordor, the holders of the Elven-rings became aware of his true identity, and took off their rings, and then sent them away to safety. I always felt bad for Celebrimbor... Thanks for reviewing, Lissas Elves!
6336 · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 7: VII. Glitter (Elrond, Annatar)
A thing for rings, eh! A little bit of and understatement that! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Sorry, Lynda; but this is all that the Muse inspired me to write on that particular encounter. The Elrond Muse is a fey and fickle one and doesn't talk to me that much. Yes, the Giver of Gifts definitely had a thing for spellbound/spellbinding rings; just like his former master had a thing for Silmarils. Both Dark Lords undone by a love of jewelry, LOL. Thanks for reviewing!
Lissas Elves · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 1: I. Employee Review (Nazgûl)
OMG, yes what a punishment! Sauron is more creative than I imagined. *g*
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing, Lissas Elves. I'm sure that Sauron could get very fiendish with the punishments. He was being pretty nice here, since he still needed the Nazgul able to shamble around and ride fell-beasts and terrorize...Glad you liked the piece.
Dreamflower · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
Oh, how beautiful! I love seeing this through Ioreth's eyes as she tells it to her granddaughter! I especially love the image of her and Bergil, hudded together, but little Bergil defiantly holding up his little dagger! Such a brave little boy! What do you mean, is that all? Why, you silly lass, what more could there be? *grin* Ioreth can be discreet, too, if she wishes. I see no mention of kisses atop the battlements in view of the entire city... By the way, it tickled me to read of "possets", as I just recently came across a recipe for them. I love those sorts of coincidences!
Author's reply
It has bothered me for years that PJ depicted the residents of Minas Tirith as helpless and terrified; when Tolkien went out of his way to show that not only were the soldiers and lords extraordinarily brave and resolute in the face of doom, but so were the common folk, including Bergil and Ioreth. And I just saw them both grabbing onto each other for strength as the Shadow rose, and Bergil vowing to protect Ioreth. No mention of certain embraces atop the battlements; Ioreth had to have known how to occasionally practice discretion. Though I bet she was thrilled to see Faramir and Eowyn getting so chummy. That's funny, and an indication that great minds can think alike, that you were researching possets near the time that I was... Thanks for reading and reviewing, Dreamflower!
Cairistiona · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
Every time I read stories about the Fall of Sauron I feel like dancing around singing, like the Munchkins, "Ding dong, Sauron's dead, evil Sauron's dead!" And this one captured that feeling nicely! I loved the sense of building dread, and Bergil's bravery, and then laughed when almost immediately Ioreth's thoughts turned toward warming the possets back up. Ever the practical one, our Ioreth!
Author's reply
Ding dong indeed! I think Bergil was a brave kid, but also that it helped him deal with his own fear to try to protect someone else. Yes, the Shadow departs, the sun comes back out, and Ioreth goes back inside to warm up the possets. She strikes me as a very practical lady. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Cairistiona!
shirebound · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
The Sun returned, and the day was fair and filled with light once more. What a joyous moment! This is beautiful, and a wonderful tribute to March 25.
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing, Shirebound. What a great day that was; I never tire of reading about it and trying to write it from different angles.
utfrog · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
You beautifully captured an important moment. I loved that you used Ioreth to tell the story. Thank you.
Author's reply
Oh, you're welcome, Utfrog - I'm glad you liked the capture of that great moment, and it was fun to see it through Ioreth's eyes.
Nesta · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
Wonderful writing, Raksha! So like Ioreth, but epic in imagination as well, just as JRRT can combine the splendid with the homely. I think what I like best of all is Ioreth taking up the possets and going back to warm them. Whatever huge events may take place around them, sensible people go on doing sensible, kindly things, and where would we all be if they didn't? The bit about Ioreth thinking of her family reminded me of a scene in Christabel Bielenberg's 'The Past is Myself', when as the wife of a German dissident in Nazi Berlin she is caught outside in an RAF bombing raid and thinks she's about to die. All her thoughts go to her family. That's when you find out what really matters. Like the last messages from the innocent passangers in the plane on 9/11.
Author's reply
Thanx Nesta; I'm glad you enjoyed the ficlet. Ioreth is a great character, able to bring an old verse, and hope, to Gandalf's attention, and also prone to chattering on various subjects. I'm sure she's a good nurse. I was struck by her bravery, when hearing of the battle, her only concern was that the horde of invaders didn't come bothering the patients. Yes, she would be the one to take the possets back into the Houses to warm them up, and let Bergil dance around with Merry; because it's her job and vocation. I hadn't heard of Christabel Bielenberg; but I'll have to check out her work. I would think that in moments of utter terror and danger, one's thoughts go to those who are closest and the things that matter most, at least with many people.
Larner · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: VIII. Between Shadow and Sun (Ioreth)
Fantastic look at the memory of that day of days! Hooray, Ioreth!
Author's reply
Ioreth was great fun to write; she's tough but not open to emotion, and her perspective would have been a bit different from that of Faramir or Beregond or Gandalf, etc. I think it's the first time I've written her. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Larner. Author Reply: Oops, I meant to say that she's tough but open to emotion.