Member of the Month: an interview with Ninjoo

How did you find CoE?
One day in the summer of 2004 I was so completely bored I wanted to learn something weird, so I decided on Elvish. I started browsing the net and stumbled unto CoE. I joined, floated about the site a bit, joined a Realm, decided I liked it here, and then super-glued myself to it. I’m fortunate enough to have found some really, really good friends here, some of which I consider true family.

What are your favourite areas of the site?
First off, the cool waters of the Realm of Ulmo. It really is my cyber-home, and I count myself lucky with such great Realm members and fantastic Realm Head.
Secondly ,the Games forum. It has become one of my goals in life to try and entertain the Game Mods and direct everyone in that forum to the outer borders of sanity and “gently” nudge them over the edge into craziness. And seeing all the “Craziness” titles in that forum, I’m beginning to think it’s actually working.

The Multimedia section, mostly for uploading heaps of new stuff and by doing so causing LadyC a lot of work *evil chuckle*. I was honoured when she asked me to help create the newest Notecards and Stationery section.

The Gallery, to drool over the artwork by the invited artists, to print them out and put them all over the house. My housemates already labeled me as a nutcase, so why not give them material to sustain that reputation?

How often do you visit CoE?
*lol* Every single day, all day! Every spare moment in which I can get my hands on a computer, CoE will be the first thing I check. And when I get home and turn on the computer, surfing to CoE will be the first thing I do, and it’ll be the last thing to close. It’s always on, and when I’m not actively present on the site, I’ll still be lurking in the background somewhere. So I’m really talking about at least 6 to 7 hours a day, often more. I would be surprised if the site had not left a permanent imprint in my brain by now.

How many times have you read the books?
About seven times, I think. Though I’ve read “The Return of the King” more times than “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers”. I must admit that I sometimes skip some Frodo/Sam parts, since they’re just not my favourite characters. *whistles innocently*

I have read “The Silmarillion” (my favourite Tolkien book) about three times, and I’m halfway through reading the “Unfinished Tales”. Once that one’s done, I’ll start the HoME.

Who is your favourite LOTR character?
*giggles* Éomer (known in the Games Forum as ‘Gorgeous Sweaty Horseman’… no explanation needed, I’m sure). His love, devotion and loyalty for his country and his people make him a great person. And, of course, the fact that he looks completely hot and rugged in his armour has got absolutely nothing to do with it…

From “The Silmarillion”, my favourite character would be either Melkor or Fingon. Melkor because he’s such an intriguing character (plus I have a weakness for bad guys…), and Fingon because his actions still give me chills down my spine. Though waking up every morning with someone yelling “Utúlie’n aurë” in your ear isn’t really my idea of a good time.

Do you have a favourite scene from the trilogy?
Just one?! You’re evil for making me choose, you know…

Ok, after long debating with Freddiks my favourite teacup, I’d have to say the battle of the Pelennor Fields. It’s gruesome, but that’s what war is. And the Oliphaunts… those would come in very handy if your garden hose walked out on you and you needed something to water your lawn with. Not to mention they make a great play device for kids.

The lightning of the beacons too, the way the camera flies over the huge mountains – wow! I’ve always wondered what those beacon guards do for entertainment. They can’t be reading the LOTR, that’s for sure. Maybe solving lots and lots of crossword puzzles. Or origami. I should ask them if they can make me a fell beast!

And the Witch-king seemed like a cool guy. Too bad Éowyn had a bad hair day and decided to take it out on him.

Of course, these parts are next to all the scenes with Éomer… *lol*

What character left out of the films do you miss most?
Elladan and Elrohir and the fellow Rangers. It would’ve been great to see with whom Aragorn spend years lying in bushes, keeping the Shire safe and spying on any suspicious people. It’s probably a tough life, lying in bushes, even when it’s freezing cold… *runs off to bring a cup of hot chocolate to the man in the bushes across the street*

Do you know any Sindarin or Quenya?
I came to CoE to learn Elvish, and I decided on Quenya because most people try Sindarin. It’s been a while since I studied it, but it’s still floating somewhere in the dark corners of my mind, next to my Maths and Geometry knowledge probably. I think I’ve done up to lesson 15 or so, so I know a little. When I read bits of Quenya, I can make out most of it. But writing stuff down from the top of my head, hmmm… nope. I’ll start studying again, one day… It’s number 62 on my to-do list.

What did you enjoy most about the ROTK EE?
Everything, except the fact the DVD had to stop at some point. That was the saddest part of this decade, to realise this was truly the end. No more anxious waiting for the next movie, and no more looking forward to the next DVD. Bummer. It’s only a good thing we still have CoE! Life would be so empty without it.