My Drabbles from Tolkien Weekly by Mirkwoodmaiden
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 12: Time had Begun Again
To see that time was touching Bilbo so must have hurt him terribly.
Author's reply
This prompt was "spectacles". The Quest changed so much, mostly for good. But some good things had to end as well. As Frodo slowly realises. Sad. MM
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 11: Foreboding in a Young Heart
A terrible mfemory to carry.
Author's reply
I know. The prompt for this one was "Horseshoe". Obviously thought of the Rohirrim and Eomer's father died when he was young. It just came together like this. Very hard to lose a parent or both in Eomer and Eowyn's case so young. MM
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 10: Closer to Ilúvatar's perfection
What a blessing, to study the stars under such a teacher!
Author's reply
So very true! I have been meaning to write some about Estel and Glorfindel as his teacher, just haven't gotten around to it yet! MM
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 9: And For What?
This helped redeem him, I am certain.
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 9: And For What?
This helped redeem him, I am certain.
Author's reply
I think so! I remember reading somewhere Maedhros tired of his oath and all the blood at some point. It was a true madness. MM
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 8: Compass of Her Heart
One of the most wonderful moments in the Silmarillion. Elwing was so blest!
Author's reply
Larner! The prompt for this one was compass. Earendil was her heart. Naturally she found her way to him. MM
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 7: Future Winds
Remember this from The Heir Apparent. A wonderful vignette.
Author's reply
Larner! I do love writing about young Estel and his relationship with the only father he ever knew. Thanks! MM
Larner · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 6: The Flames of Umbar
A wonderful look at that moment.
Author's reply
Larner! Thanks! I think the prompt for this drabble was heat or heatwave and this came to mind. Drabbles let me explore areas that I don't usually think of when writing in Tolkien's world. MM
Kath · 28 April 2020 · Chapter 15: Fathers and Sons
I have to say how poignant I found these little snippets about fathers and sons Very short but so telling and moving.
Author's reply
Kath! Thank you so much for taking the time to write! I do love to write drabbles because you can create moments of emotional resonance in 100 words. If you have my regular stuff you'll know that I am usually verbose "Never use one word when three will do!" and to borrow from Shakespeare, I "unpack my heart with words" Thanks again! MM P.S. LOL! My response to your review is longer than any one of my drabbles! :-)
Lindelea · 14 April 2020 · Chapter 14: Nothing would be the same
"it is a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door..." One of my favorite quotes, and I always hear it spoken in Ian Holmes' voice. I don't know if my memory comes from the film or from the BBC radio dramatization, but it's very clear in my mind. Once again, you have taken a slice of time, the space of a few heartbeats, and embedded them in clear crystal. The reality never quite comes close to childhood imaginings... Alas, poor Frodo.
Author's reply
Lindelea! I definitely heard Ian Holmes voice as well!! "Once again, you have taken a slice of time, the space of a few heartbeats, and embedded them in clear crystal." Thank you! That is exactly what I try and do in these drabbles. To create little gems of time. Which as you know from my writing I can most definitely be loquacious! Never use a word when three will do!! LOL!!! Poor Frodo he gives so much and is so hard on himself! Stay safe! I'm off to try and bake bread!!! (I will report my success...or lack thereof! :-)) !) ((virtual hugs)) MM
Ellynn · 14 April 2020 · Chapter 14: Nothing would be the same
I like the hint of sinister atmosphere in this one!
Author's reply
Ellynn! Thanks! I do love to write drabbles and try to capture a feeling. MM
Lindelea · 7 April 2020 · Chapter 13: A Moment in the Shire
So lovely and peaceful. A perfect bedtime story. G’night. Hope this finds you and yours well.
Author's reply
Lindelea! I aim to please! We are well. Hope you are the same. MM
Lindelea · 30 March 2020 · Chapter 11: Foreboding in a Young Heart
Oh! Oh, my. This one hurt my heart.
Author's reply
Lindelea! I know, I know. Sometimes drabbles take on a mind of their own. Originally I saw the prompt of "horseshoe" as a happy one. But that wasn't to be. I did post a new chapter of "Leaving Home; Coming home" which is cheerful. Hope you and yours are well. MM
Lindelea · 30 March 2020 · Chapter 12: Time had Begun Again
Ah, yes. And yet, time beginning again was something of a mercy for the old hobbit, as well. He no longer had to endure feeling like butter scraped across too much bread... Lovely! Thanks.
Author's reply
Lindelea! True. True. Perhaps a relief in a way. And he will go to the Undying lands as well. Stay safe. MM
Lindelea · 16 March 2020 · Chapter 10: Closer to Ilúvatar's perfection
Oh. Oh. Oh. To borrow a word from the drabble, this was beautiful. Reading it left an ache in my throat. The good kind, that is. I found myself right there with them, lying on the hard surface of the balcony (would they have put a blanket or rug down, or would they be warriors, immune to the hard chill they were lying on?), staring up at the stars. We used to do much the same when the not-so-wee hobbits were little, driving a way out of the city when a meteor shower was predicted, out into the dark of a country lane, where we'd park the car and lie down on the hood to watch for bright streaks in the sky.
Author's reply
Lindelea! Yea! So happy you loved it. I do try to capture what attempts to a little gem of an image or moment or emotion with these drabbles. I find it really satisfying. As it is a 100 word drabble I could not mention it but I do imagine a blanket for Estel (much to his disgruntlement, he would rather be the tough warrior), but Gilraen would have Glorfindel's hide if Estel comes down with so much as a sniffle so the blanket it is, but it is a tough manly blanket! Of that you can be sure! :-)) MM Author Reply: 2nd reply. And yes! Some of my favourite moments are camping and laying out and watching the stars. Ah Memories! MM
Lindelea · 10 March 2020 · Chapter 6: The Flames of Umbar
I do like this. It says so much about the Man, his character, and his quest.
Author's reply
Lindelea! Thanks! It wasn't easy to write even though it was so short it was little outside the areas that I like to write about. But that is also why I like Drabbles so much I can explore areas of the Professor's works that I have explored before! MM
Lindelea · 9 March 2020 · Chapter 9: And For What?
Awww. I know very little of the "Sil" - I mean, I read it decades ago, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that I got pulled in by LOTR. It was my comfort reading through a long stretch of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis, and first Beregond and then Merry and then Pippin seized my imagination and I began to write stories about them. However, I think I recognize this story. Elrond and Elros, is that right? I'm so glad that mercy was still possible after all the (kinstrife?) killing.
Author's reply
Lindelea! Yep! It is Elrond and Elros as the twins who survived the 3rd kinslaying at Sirion. And Maedhros having mercy on them. Like you it it was Fellowship that first drew me in as well. But of late I have become more fascinated by the Sil as well. Thanks for reading! MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 7: Future Winds
A good omen, this. Estel is there, in hearts and in the body of a hopeful child.
Author's reply
True! Hope does exist in a laughing boy who does not yet suspect what role he will play. Thanks for reading! I do love writing about young Estel. MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 6: The Flames of Umbar
At least he knew this last victory!
Author's reply
He was able to give Gondor a little peace and breathing room. Thanks for reading! MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 5: Gazing at Sunlight
Oh, but so very apt for this couple! Sunshine indeed now inhabits a land too long given to darkness.
Author's reply
Larner! I do love writing about Faramir and Eowyn happy together at last. Both have seen too much darkness. MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 4: The Lady's Light
Oh, but how I love seeing Sam at his work, renewing the Shire, one sapling or seed at a time!
Author's reply
Larner! It was indeed a labor of love for Sam. :-) MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 3: A Moment in Imladris
Oh, very appropriate a moment for this pair, and I am glad you left them their privacy afterward.
Author's reply
Larner! I like to write about these happier times for Elrond. He gives so much for the betterment of Middle Earth and sacrifices so much in the end. He knows the Elves are fighting the long defeat and yet he gives his all anyway. MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 2: A Misty Morning
It was a choice she made. i hope that her sons and what warmth she received from her husband helped her accept that choice for as long as she could bear it.
Author's reply
Larner! So very true. I think Denethor did love her and her sons definitely did. And it was as you say the choice she made. MM
Larner · 5 March 2020 · Chapter 1: Faltering Feet; Resolute Heart
No, they wouldn't easily admit they were so cold, would they? But they are determined!
Author's reply
The Noldor don't do anything easily! :-) MM.
Lindelea · 29 February 2020 · Chapter 7: Future Winds
Nice slice-of-time storytelling, and a portent for the future...
Author's reply
Thanks! I really do love writing drabbles. They focus the mind wonderfully! Young Estel is a delight to write! MM