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With Hope and Without Hope  by docmon 7 Review(s)
Thundera TigerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/11/2008
Hey again!

Ah, I love this chapter. I love the way Pippin gives up the game. I love how everyone around him reacts. Most of all, I love Aragorn and the way he deals with the situation. There is such strength in your characters, even in their moments of weakness.

Of course, the same can be said of your villains. Saruman is quick and efficient once he gets around to greeting the Fellowship, and he knows just the right tricks to use on just the right characters. Gimli's expendable, so let's make an example of him. Rangers know what it means to sacrifice, so turn the impossible choice over to the elf. Love the psychological games you play!

Author Reply: Thanks for writing a review Thundera! This chapter reveals, most of all, my sadistic nature when it comes to my characters [eg]. Putting them through the ringer is just so much fun. I have to hold myself back sometimes :-D.
Thanks for your great comments!!!

Lily FrostReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/5/2008
Oh man - this story is really gripping. Poor Pippin - what a terrible slip up!

Author Reply: Thanks, Lily! I'm glad the story has grabbed you!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/5/2008
This is a truly gripping tale.You have me on the edge of my seat!

Author Reply: Just what I love to hear! Thank you, Linda!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/3/2008
Okay, just how many other things can and will continue to go wrong? Pippin blathers out Aragorn's name; the orcs have Gimli and Legolas and Merry and are taking them down into the pits to do what? The Ents aren't warned, and no one's there to greet Gandalf. Is it all to be left now to Gandalf? Hmmm! But at least Pippin's managed to get some medical attention for Aragorn's leg--ONE good thing out of all this.

Author Reply: bwahahahahaa! Oh, you're really bringing out the evil in me! I had to throw you a bone, so I figured I shouldn't have Aragorn die of infection. Thought I'd give you that much. [eg] Hope you're having fun!

EmilyReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/3/2008
Okay, I know it's an AU, and everything has been leading up to this... but I really didn't expect you to take them all inside Orthanc. Well done for surprising me! This is a pretty pickle they're in. I cheered for Gimli when he was taken away. That's my bold Dwarf! I hope Gimli, Legolas, and Merry don't suffer too much down there in the pit of Orthanc. And there's something troubling about Saruman when he's alone with Aragorn and Pippin. I want to know why Aragorn, of all people, almost thinks Saruman is Gandalf. Could there possibly be an impostor in Orthanc? It did seem strange that Saruman is so agreeable to Pippin's treating Aragorn's wounds. Please, please update soon! I'm so anxious to see what happens!

Author Reply: Thanks for the great review, Emily! LOL I love hearing that I surprised you! Yes, they are in a pickle. My intention was always to take them into Isengard. It was only a question of how much they suffered along the way, as you point out. But as you hope for not too much suffering... you might want to check the title of the story again .
Don't read too much Aragorn, or any of them, thinking Saruman is Gandalf. I just imagine that, so soon after losing Gandalf, to be in the presence of another wizard would play tricks with the mind. And Saruman basically wants to keep Aragorn alive, but he sure isn't going to wash Aragorn's wounds himself! So he laid the duty on Pippin.
An update won't be long!

MaayaReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/3/2008
*sigh* Oh Pippin, of all times to let his tongue slip... And I felt so sorry for him, afterwards. Very nice chapter, very tense and I sat on the edge of my chair while reading.

Author Reply: Thank you for writing, Maaya! I love hearing I kept you on the edge of your seat!

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/3/2008
Argh, in Orthanc now, with hope nearly gone! This thing may kill me before it comes to an end. LOL Seriously, very good chapter, yet more tension piled on to what was almost unbearable tension before... keep those new chapters coming!!

Author Reply: Thank you! Glad you liked it, despite its almost being fatal ;-).

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