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As the Gentle Rain  by Lindelea 4 Review(s)
FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/6/2004
The hobbits have had a very narrow escape. Elessar is quite clever, and he's figured out most of what has happened without even talking to Merry, but I'm not sure they realize that the Pilgrim is the torturer, not a victim. The missing fence posts should be the final clue, if they need one, that the torturer has to be established in the place. And I'm waiting, with a growing sense of apprehension, to hear from Pippin. I'm wishing for him to be found, but by the right person, please!

Brant and the Pilgrim remind me immediately of Smeagol/Gollum, though there are some differences of motivation. I am very alarmed to hear Pilgrim's covetousness of Nell. I don't want to think about the chances for evil ahead, as Pilgrim makes his way to the White City, where the hobbits are headed.


Author Reply: Elessar is a clever tracker. (My dh still snorts when we see the scene in TTT where he works out what happened to Merry and Pippin from the scuff-marks in the grass.)

To answer your other comments:
Pippin finally reappears in the next chapter, and yes, there is yet potential for evil ahead, though Pilgrim is on the run and the forces for good are growing more wise in his ways. That, at least, is something in our favour.

Thanks for commenting.

HaiReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/5/2004
Oh that nasty man got away! Hm he reminds me of Gollum a bit. Too bad Pimpernel's knots weren't a little better. Pippin still hasnt' been found! It is good of them to keep them missing from the wives and children but they can't do that for long! Looking forward to more! Thank you!

Author Reply: I realised after writing the inner dialogue of Pilgrim and Brant that he did sound like Gollum. Hope it doesn't seem too derivative. Of course, I've read that people who undergo severe physical and psychological torture have been known to split themselves into more than one person to "hide" from the pain and horror, and this is what Brant/Pilgrim is based on. It is more likely to happen in childhood... I can only postulate that Brant was fairly young when he deserted the army of Gondor and was captured by the Easterlings.

Thanks for reviewing!

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/5/2004
The Pilgrim guy is a real creep. The Easterling connection is very disturbing... the bit about dogs...

Author Reply: He is a creep, but I also feel sorry for him, shaped as he was by his experiences. He might have started out a little bad, but he's twisted now, and if he were not so dangerous he'd be pitiable.

Have seen a horrible "undercover video" of the bit about dogs.

Thanks for commenting!

ConnieReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/5/2004
Oh, what a chapter.

I sure breated a sigh of relief when the riders showed up. But to know that that madman is still alive and is now headed to Minas Tirath, that bothers me no end.

The note about roasting dogs gave me the creeps (blows kisses to both the mutts).

(Deep breath) WHERE'S PIPPIN?!!!

Thanks.

Connie.

Author Reply: Have answered your repeated question. Sorry, couldn't answer before, as Pippin's whereabouts, as you now know, were part of a plot point. Thanks for your faithful reviews!

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