N33, Review Card: Review a story with Ents in it

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: "Review" card, N33: Review a story with Ents in it.

"Rowan Mine" by blslarner.

"Hoom, hom," [Treebeard] said, "every time I almost give up on the hope mortals can learn, we are shown some sign that there is yet integrity and understanding among them."

This gorgeous story depicts a not-quite-but-probably-should-be-called ceremony in which Quickbeam comes upon hobbits, men, elves, and dwarves planting a small grove of rowan trees outside the ruins of Isengard. Many members of the Fellowship, or their representatives, are there: Legolas and Gimli, Merry and Pippin, Sam (and his children!), Elessar Telcontar and his Queen. Quickbeam is touched by Sam's story of how he and his family nurtured the rowan saplings expressly for this purpose, in their own family nursery. The tale of the oak sapling, grown from an acorn collected by the Ringbearer himself, is particularly moving.

Larner's gift for description and eye for exquisite detail, which have always been hallmarks of her writing, are delightfully apparent here. I had to smile at

There was movement on the edges of the forest, and a few more of the younger Ents looked out to reassure themselves that Quickbeam's report was accurate

- what lovely imagery! - and I absolutely LOVED

He leaned over the box and reached down a twiggy finger to softly touch the slender stem, the quivering leaves, and felt the delight of the small tree as it recognized his nature. 

I always enjoy stories about the reconstruction of the lands ravaged by the Ring War, and this unusual story deeply satisfies my Tree-hugging soul. Thank you, blslarner, for writing it!

Comments

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

Oh, my heavens! But I am honored by this, Ann! Thank you so! I do love Treebeard and Quickbeam, and always felt that Merry and Pippin would remember his lament for his fallen rowan groves, and would seek one day to see new ones planted for his comfort.

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

My pleasure! I was delighted to find this story.