Reviews for Wednesday, December 15, 2010 (Morning Set, Part Two)
Title: The Noldo is IN · Author: Beruthiel's Cat · Genres: Humor: Comedy/Drama · ID: 433
Reviewer: Linaewen · 2010-12-15 04:17:02
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
I most definitely laughed out loud a number of times while reading this tale! The discussion between Erestor and Glorfindel about the incident with Galadriel's mirror was particularly splutter-inducing -- fortunately, my computer screen was saved by the quick swallowing of my coffee.
Very clever and extremely funny!
Title: Pure Morning · Author: curiouswombat · Genres: Romance: Dunedain · ID: 286
Reviewer: Jael · 2010-12-15 04:28:11
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
My goodness, I had this on my wish list and began reading with no idea what I was getting into. I enjoyed myself a lot. The writing was good, never purple, and the sex scenes were what I would call understated yet effective. The premise was totally AU but you pulled it off believably.
A great job in all
Title: Crude Material · Author: Ygrain · Genres: Ficlet: The Silmarillion · ID: 608
Reviewer: Linaewen · 2010-12-15 04:29:26
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
What a vivid picture I have of Sauron the put-upon scientist who is continually having to cope with inept assistants who ruin his research with carelessness. His calm voice, his gazing at no one in particular as he discusses his displeasure, and particularly his sighing, must have had that Orc assistant quaking in his boots. I rather imagine that Orc knew what was coming as a result!
A well-written story that shows us quite clearly what some of Sauron's research methods must have been like -- yet does so in a quiet, even normal way that is humorous, and only afterwards do we start realizing how evil Sauron REALLY is!
Title: Flying Free · Author: Keiliss · Genres: Character Study: The Silmarillion · ID: 343
Reviewer: Red Lasbelin · 2010-12-15 04:35:00
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A really interesting look at Maedhros from the prompt of 'upside down' as it challenged the concept of 'right side up' at the same time. It was a harrowing experience, what Feanor's son went through, and I think Keiliss's piece on it is a very likely look at a slow turn into madness. The thought process is really captured nicely here, extremely fragmented and yet forming a picture, clear as day for those who know the story.
It's telling how, towards the end, it was hard to distinguish truth from his own mental wanderings - though I'll admit I did laugh when he thought Fingon on the back of an eagle was stupid. Truth is stranger than fiction, after all.
Ultimately, I'm glad he was rescued, hope he learned a few lessons, though it was a grim reality for anyone to face - and I've never seen a fic capture this moment in Maedhros's life quite like Keiliss's has. There are an economy of words with this, but not too sparing, she tells a full, evocative story. I do highly recommend this fic.
Title: Uldor · Author: Himring · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 284
Reviewer: elfscribe · 2010-12-15 04:38:53
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A story that gives us a sympathetic view of a villain. It captures how misunderstanding, plotting, and manipulation could lead to tragedy and how one young man becomes the unwitting pawn in the game between the Feanorians and the men who betray them in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. I'm very impressed with how strong Uldor's voice is and the fact that I sympathize with him almost up until the end. The final scene of Maglor tearing through the battle to exact revenge is just amazing.
Title: Swan Song · Author: Ithilwen · Genres: Longer Works · ID: 147
Reviewer: Elleth · 2010-12-15 05:04:58
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Ithilwen is a fanfiction author who has long been known for quality Silmarillion fanfiction primarily concerned with the Feanorians.
Her story [Swan Song] does not disappoint either, choosing a novel approach to the end of Maglor's wanderings. A terrible lobotomy leaves him drifting until a chance to return to Valinor is offered. In contrast to many other stories, however, this is not (yet) his happily-ever-after. Maglor never wholly recuperates, but Ithilwen manages to maintain the delicate balance of treating an uncomfortable and often problematic topic with decency, respect and realism. Adding the burden of the Feanorian legacy in Valinor and the (theme and) struggle for forgiveness should prove an almost impossible burden for the protagonists, but instead it is a joy to see how they make their way and overcome adversities up to the glorious resolution through the titular swan song.
All in all a very engaging read - heartbreaking in places, but ultimately incredibly well done. I have read this story multiple times since it was published and was at the edge of my seat for the continuation at the end of every chapter each time - new details and layers keep coming to my awareness and the carefully-crafted prose never loses its shine. Ithilwen's OFCs Aurel and Tuilir are fully realized personalities instead of stock figures, and made me smile more than once. If you are a fan of the Feanorians (of Maglor in particular, but also of Nerdanel and Maedhros), and find you can deal with the warnings the author offers, this is a story for you.
Title: Dawn & Dusk · Author: Clodia · Times: First Age and Prior: Mixed Drabbles · ID: 160
Reviewer: Elleth · 2010-12-15 05:22:20
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Clodia Metelli's [Dawn & Dusk] depicts the Fall of Doriath through the eyes of one survivor, Erestor. Although I am not familiar with the larger backdrop of the author's own stories that these two drabbles are put against, they are nothing less than convincing on their own. Clodia is a master of prose and in a few words paints the icy winter in the forest, evokes the dismay of Erestor at having fought and killed in Doriath himself, and depicts a sharp and astute image of the Oath of Feanor and its impact on those around them in seldom-used metaphors and vivid language. Even as a self-proclaimed fan of the Sons of Feanor (though not their deeds), I cannot help feeling much sympathy for the Doriathrim in this situation, which in turn spurred my Maglor-muse into protest ficlets of his own... so the impact of this is nothing if not inspiring. Which should hardly be a surprise when, like here, so much thought and care have gone into the crafting of 200 words. Reading the drabbles, they certainly feel much more substantial than that.
Breathtaking would be one word to describe the double-drabble, riveting another, but throwing around any more adjectives would perhaps lessen the impact the story itself has. Go read it, please.
Title: Misericordia · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Character Study: Drabble Series · ID: 173
Reviewer: The Lauderdale · 2010-12-15 05:34:48
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
This is a lovely drabble series about Nienna, in which we find her weeping for Fëanor, Lúthien and Beren, the House of Húrin, Amandil and his fellow ban-breakers, and finally, Melkor. [Rebels are her ministry], and it may be for that reason that the first and last of her trials, Fëanor and Melkor, should be the most fascinating to read about. Well! They are works in progress, after all, what with Fëanor trapped in the Halls of Mandos and Melkor in the Void until the Dagor Dagorath. And there is a particular depth of feeling in the drabble for Melkor, Nienna's brother from before time’s beginning, that speaks to their special relationship as fellow Valar. Interesting as the idea behind this series is, it’s those beautiful poetic devices that Dwimordene employs - the alliterative, agglutinative construction of her sentences - that enhances the power implicit in the premise.
[Patience. He is her torment, her trial, her temperer - tempter-teacher, crying: O thou inconsolate, grieve me no more!]
I am curious about the notion of Melkor tempting Nienna and what it might be that he uses to tempt her. This is a fascinating, moving depiction of their relationship.
Title: Uldor · Author: Himring · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 284
Reviewer: Elleth · 2010-12-15 05:44:35
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Himring strikes again! On the whole an amazing writer already, Himring this time turns her attention to one of the minor villains (or is he?) of Tolkien's legendarium who flourishes with careful attention. Uldor, canonically only known as the Accursed and as an Easterling, morphs into a far more complicated and complex personality under the strokes of Himring's pen (or rather, keyboard) and watching his struggles for acceptance and trials as well as his beginning love for the Eldar makes him a truly sympathetic figure with a strong presence on the page and a set of motivations that equals that of another minor Tolkien villain (or is he?), Gorlim Unhappy who betrayed Barahir father of Beren and his companions to the Enemy to regain his wife.
Both, of course, were themselves betrayed. The moral of the story is not new, but all the same it loses none of its power, and interspersed with the differences between Elves and Men, and astounding characterizations of everyone involved, Himring created a truly magnificent, if terribly sad story.
Title: Passover and Pilgrimage · Author: Larner · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Gondor · ID: 53
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2010-12-15 06:25:10
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
A very moving story which is most appropriate for Passover as Tolkien's great work is filled with Judeo/ Christian themes, especially that of sacrifice which is personified in the persons of Frodo most especially and also in Gandalf. As ever from this talented writer beautifully written and thought provoking.
Title: Unanswerable Questions · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves · ID: 403
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2010-12-15 06:30:17
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A very endearing glimpse of Gimli on the eve of the ride to the Paths of the Dead. I can well understand why the Dwarf must wonder what he is doing on the Quest and his fears of dying far from any of his own people, but still he continues bravely on his way.
Title: Love Unrequited · Author: Inzilbeth · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 100
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2010-12-15 06:35:14
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A powerful story, which sent me back to the original to reacquaint myself with the sad story of Daeron who loved Luthien in vain. Apt that Aragorn should encounter him and learn his story, for at this point the two have much in common,though we know with hindsight that Aragorn's love for Luthien's descendent will not go unrequited as did Daeron's.
A beautifully written tale.
Title: The Passing of Fire · Author: Primsong · Genres: Character Study: Vignettes · ID: 461
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-12-15 06:35:45
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
I very much enjoyed the measured and meditative tone of this vignette, and the beautiful seaside descriptions. As for the content, I agree wholeheartedly. It has often seemed odd to me that Cirdan would hold the Ring of Fire, not at all an element one would associate with him, but Primsong's explanation that [had been entrusted to him as a child to a father] makes a lot of sense. This is a story well worth reading.
Title: The Havens of Sirion · Author: Inzilbeth · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 152
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2010-12-15 06:38:38
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
I've always wondered how Elwing could have abandoned her children in what is one of the most puzzling passages in Tolkien's work, but Inzilbeth provides a very plausible explanation that Elwing felt it it was the only way she could save them by plunging into the sea with the Simaril. A believable and vivid insight into a crucial moment in the history of Arda.
Title: The Ranger and the Hobbit · Author: Cairistiona · Genres: Adventure · ID: 42
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2010-12-15 06:43:10
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A delightful story guaranteed to appeal to all Aragorn hurt/comfort fans as an injured Aragorn comes across an annoying but endearing Hobbit who is eager to help him. in the meanwhile,Aragorn's friends led by Halbarad search for their leader in this gripping and entertaining story.
Title: Shades of Black and Grey · Author: Minviendha · Races: Other Beings · ID: 97
Reviewer: Elleth · 2010-12-15 07:09:18
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Even after nearly nine years in the Silmarillion fandom, I have yet to encounter another story quite like Minviendha's [Shades of Black and Grey]. She considers the story of Celegorm from the point of view of Huan, who in his very own preserves his loyalty by remembering [his boy] rather than [his master]. As many pet-owners will attest, dogs understand more than they are given credit for, and this becomes poignantly clear in this story, especially regarding Celegorm's change as was consumed by the Oath and the deeds of the Sons of Feanor took their toll on him.
A character study of more than one person, through an unusual point of view that needs some reading between the lines. Minviendha pulls off the dog's viewpoint absolutely believably, with all that entails.
Title: To Face the Wolf · Author: Maglor's finch · Genres: Crossover · ID: 465
Reviewer: Eärillë (AiedailWing) · 2010-12-15 08:04:46
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A crossover which managed to marry The Silmarillion into The Harry Potter Series quite well, with psychic and philosophical wars along the way and a good amount of Hurt/Comfort moments to boot. - The undercurrent of enmity and various desires made the story an engaging read, and more when a small prophecy was thrown in to the mix. - Maglor’s finch developed Finrod Felagund in the novelette into quite a realistic Eldarin character with vivid facets. (The author also did the characterisation excellently on everyone else involved, from Severus Snape to Hermione Granger.) Readers are treated to a rather thorough look into the erstwhile King of Nargathrond, including his view on Sybill Trelawney. Finrod’s thoughts and comments on the wizards defined his Elven characteristics; it was both quite amusing and enjoyable to read. And there were barely a handful of mistakes throughout the 18 chapters, with events sticking true to The Silmarillion and The Prisoner of Azkaban. Overall, it was excellently done, and highly recommended for those who would like to know more about Finrod Felagund (and more).
Title: Of Mice and Men... and Elves... and Dwarves · Author: Marethiel · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Gondor · ID: 139
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2010-12-15 09:27:54
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
A gentle and well-paced story of a stressed King Elessar and two conspiratorial friends, not to mention a sympathetic Arwen and the highly put-upon King's Guard.
Good use of the hurt/comfort genre; an amusing and well-paced story.
Title: Women Of Heart And Mind · Author: Nancy Brooke · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Gondor · ID: 469
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2010-12-15 09:34:06
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Here's a nifty what-if premise: What If Denethor's second child had been female? Nancy Brooke addresses the issue after the death of "Ancalime", through the lens of Eowyn's friendship with the 'Princess' of Ithilien. That Eowyn could form a close bond of friendship with a female version of Faramir is intriguing and well-written here. And, almost as nifty - Halbarad lived and had a role in this turnabout LOTR universe.
Unusual and notable story.
Title: Five Things That Never Happened To Bilbo Baggins · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 58
Reviewer: Kara's Aunty · 2010-12-15 09:45:54
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
1 made me snort. Wouldn't those Dwarves have been in trouble if Holman had been so quick of the mark? I wonder if they would have had to find themelves a new burglar ...
2 is a rather creepy what-might-have-been if Gollum had overpowered Bilbo in the cave. Effectively chilling.
3 brought a lump to my throat. Even more chilling than the second, but also deeply sad - for all of Arda.
4 was intriguing. I shudder to think of Bilbo's fate had he followed Balin on one last adventure!
5 was one to think about! I don't know if Gandalf would have accepted Bilbo as Ring-bearer again (IMO), given how Bilbo reacted when parting with it so many years earlier. Gandalf knows that, as resilient as Bilbo was to it, the hobbit still coveted the RIng - a secret desire that may have grow despite nearly two decades without it. Plus the Ring was much stronger by the Council of Elrond. Would Bilbo have been strong enough to carry it a second time - and at his age - without finally succumbing to its lures? As much as he might have wanted to, I'm not sure Gandalf would have trusted poor Bilbo with it as far as Hollin. Still, a very interesting premise. In fact, I loved all 5 of these!!
Excellent work ;)
Title: Tales from Tol Eressea: Conversations in Avallone · Author: Mithadan · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 664
Reviewer: Celeritas · 2010-12-15 10:05:28
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Conversations in Avallone is a fine elaboration on what the arrival of a Man on the shores of Eressea would do to the normally unchanging lives of the elves present. In this case, AElfwine serves as the catalyst for the denouement of Maglor's long exile from his kindred (for, even though he has made the trip West, he speaks with few).
Mithadan gives Maglor an active role in resisting evil in the Second and Third Ages, specifically in the rescue of many of the innocents from Ost-in-Edhil before the overrunning of Eregion. After hearing Maglor's tale (which is told in somewhat operatic angst), AElfwine and Cirdan prevail upon Maglor to go to his foster-son's house, where Maglor is revealed and placed on trial. AElfwine's subsequent advocacy of Maglor is stirring, and my pleasure, at least, was only magnified by two important plot twists at the end! Mithadan's attention to detail within the story makes it a true delight to read.
Title: The Last Resort · Author: Eärillë (AiedailWing) · Times: Ring War: Mixed Drabbles · ID: 568
Reviewer: Kara's Aunty · 2010-12-15 10:06:20
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
Gosh, for a mere one hundred words, there's a lot going on here! Eärillë's drabble is packed with drama and pathos. The reader is plunged straight into the final struggle in the Sammath Naur between Frodo and Gollum, and the author describes that desperate struggle very well indeed. Great comparison to our four-legged friends (albeit very angry four-legged friends!)!
Eärillë depicts Sam's voice as being the one thing able to pierce Frodo's Ring-induced psychosis. I don't know if this would have been possible when Frodo was manic with the desire to reclaim his stolen treasure, but it is a beautiful thought. Indeed, it lends the Ring-bearer a final burst of clarity and humanity; Frodo realises what must be done to destroy the Ring, but he cannot damn even Gollum to a fiery death, and so he does the noble thing and sacrifices himself for friends and enemy alike.
Breathtaking in its abruptness and touching in its sentiment. Eärillë has done a splendid job.
Title: Bringing Trouble to Barad-dur · Author: Chisscientist · Genres: Humor: Incomplete · ID: 522
Reviewer: Celeritas · 2010-12-15 10:12:38
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
This story is so incredibly clever! Allowing Celebrimbor and Gil-Galad to serve part of their purgatory as poltergeists, making Sauron's life just a little maddening, doesn't contradict canon in any way, and gives the Valar a little unnoticed agency in the wars of the Third Age. Aside from that, it truly is funny, as the two elves' efforts in distracting Sauron often must resort to simple pranks.
Despite the levity of the whole thing, though, there is an undercurrent of seriousness in the elves' efforts: when Sauron threatens to execute his prisoners if the elves do not stop, they must enact a daring plan to rescue the prisoners, and keep them alive and well under Sauron's nose. I will definitely be checking this fic in the future to see how it ends!
Title: The Tinker's Tale · Author: Levade · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 495
Reviewer: Celeritas · 2010-12-15 10:17:47
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Levade wrote this story for me as part of the Yule Fic Exchange in 2008, and I am still delighted by it: my request was for something that would run contrary to the reader's expectations.
The Tinker's Tale certainly does, and it doesn't really contradict what we know in canon enough to call it an AU. I'm not going to mention the twist here, because you should really go out and read it--but it is incredibly creative and incredibly clever. Good job!
Title: Gilraen the Living Dead · Author: Sivan Shemesh · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 513
Reviewer: rosethorn59 · 2010-12-15 10:21:33
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
This was a very good story. I really enjoyed reading this. I love the relationships of the brothers, especially what concerned Estel. They honestly treated him like their own blood kin. And you could tell that that family was very close and really loved each other. Elrohir in particular is so sweet and loving towards Estel. I would love to have a brother like that. Poor Estel, though! You did a great job of conveying his total fear in his complete belief in what he was seeing. Seeing your mother like that after she had died years earlier would be a horrible thing to experience. And it would be terrifying to have her behave that way towards you. She wanted to kill him or something. Estel just got caught up in his own little horrific world. I really liked the scene with Estel and Elrohir in the cave. It was sweet. And then when they figured out it was a horror story told to him by Erestor, bad Elf!, that caused all that trauma to that poor little boy, at least they were all able to help him realize they were just nightmares, even though a nightmare can seem very real. I certainly hope Elrond had some serious words with Erestor about that. Why did Aragorn, the father, have to tell Eldarion the same thing. He started the nightmares all over again with his son. Poor little guy. Bad Aragorn. Like father, like son. The King should be punished for that.I did really like that ending, though. This is a Great story. I really loved it. I love your stories. Thanks for this wonderful one.
Title: A Question of Dialect · Author: The Lauderdale · Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 603
Reviewer: Kara's Aunty · 2010-12-15 10:24:14
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
This was hilarious. The idea of Sauron as a linguist or philologist, taking the time to craft the Black Speech amidst scheming, plotting and raising an army to wipe out the West, was very funny. And his self-righteous ire when he returns after a long absence to find that his creation has been so mistreated and abused by his minions! He's like a stroppy artist (or even teenager) pitching a fit because someone vandalised his painting.
Just hysterical!
Great work, The Lauderdale ;)
Title: Tablut · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 127
Reviewer: Robinka · 2010-12-15 10:26:27
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Neume Indil's "Nights in Rohan" is for certain my favorite ongoing saga, and I am always happy to see a new story of it. In "Tablut", Neume brings the events that we have also seen in the movies to the stage, with Gandalf and Co. arriving to Edoras. Then, we witness the battle of Helm's Deep, presented not from the first line of the defenders, but from behind the scenes -- from the caves below the fortress.
Morwen, the main original female character, meets her beloved Gamling's family and she struggles with the horrors and losses caused by the battle. And now, as it is almost time for the folk of Rohan to rebuild their world and shake off Saruman's evil machinations from their shoulders, I wonder what Neume has in store for Gamling and Morwen. After all, there is going to be the Battle of the Pelennor yet.
As usual, an awesome, gripping read, with a bunch of well developed characters and the writing I have admired from the very start. Brava!
Title: I Entulesse · Author: MJ · Genres: Longer Works · ID: 204
Reviewer: Celeritas · 2010-12-15 10:28:14
Enter New Review or Edit Existing Draft/Hidden Review · Add To Wish List · Skip
Spoilers!
I Entulesse is a magnum opus that is at once majestic and thought-provoking. It is a worthy addition to that most neglected corner of the fandom, Gandalf-centric fiction, and fills the mind with all sorts of lovely new ideas and possibilities about his character.
For me the strongest appeal was the effectiveness of the story as a Frodo's Healing fic: with all of the focus on Gandalf, Frodo's own journey takes a secondary role and allows him to get on with healing by not thinking about it--by ministering to the needs of his friend.
Gandalf is rewarded by the Valar and by Iluvatar Himself for his long years of service in Middle-earth, but it quickly becomes clear that his long years of toil have left him weak, even though he has already surrendered the mortal shell that had so contained him during his time in Middle-earth. Why this is the case, and how it can best be solved, is a mystery that takes the reader right up to the edge of the tale to unravel. The problem--and the solution--yield a vast level of insight into the limitations of the Valar, the illimitability of the One, and whether it is better to reason or to command.
There are many other delights to the tale, pieces of mythology that the reader might have wondered at, delightful original characters such as the irrepressible Vanyalos, and small, quiet moments of friendship. My favorite such nugget has to be MJ's suggestion of what Olorin's role in the Music might have been, but these are really scattered throughout an already enjoyable piece.
If you want a refreshing take on Gandalf, read this fic!