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With Hope and Without Hope by docmon	8 Review(s)
Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/20/2008
You brought the story back to Tolkien's version very nicely here. Author Reply: Yes, thank you. That was always my intention, to bring it back to Tolkien, and end it at that point. I had no idea what it would become in the meantime, nor that it would take 20 chapters to get there! I'm glad you liked how I managed to steer the story in that direction. It was all easy maneuvering. Thanks for writing.

Thundera Tiger	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/22/2008
Ah, and the story begins to close. Such a very satisfying chapter! So many loose ends begin to come together, and the remainder of the Fellowship veer back toward canon. I absolutely love the discussion you have here. It flows so naturally! All the considerations and motivations are taken into account. Pippin and Merry want to go with Aragorn and Gimli, while Gandalf's perspective on the bigger picture gives him the ability necessary to counter their desires. Though of course it can't be too easy. I especially loved Aragorn's sigh and Gandalf's reflection that it's the sound anyone makes while trying to win an argument with a hobbit. Loved the humor! But perhaps my favorite part was the resolution between Legolas and Gimli. Yeah, big surprise there. They are my favorites. But this was handled so well! Legolas reveals his own betrayal as part of the reconciliation, and I love Gimli's evaluation of the entire thing as simply being even. It's such a neat and dwarven way to tie it all up, since neither can really be faulted for leaving the other. Awesome chapter, as usual! Author Reply: Thanks so much, Thundera! I'm glad it's satisfying - I am trying to tie up those loose ends! Aragorn has had much experience with hobbits, but not nearly as much as Gandalf. He still has much to learn. Like how stubborn hobbits can be! Legolas and Gimli had to reconcile - but as elf and dwarf they had to do it in their own ways. The elf provided the drama. (:-o I didn't say that!) And the dwarf cut through it all to the essentials. I'm not being biased towards dwarves; it's just how I see them each dealing with emotions. Thanks again, Thundera! You've made this all possible!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/21/2008
I am so glad Legolas could give over his anger and frustration at the end as he did. He went through so much! At least now faith is restored for all of them, and the friendship as well. And at last all begin to set out on the paths appointed for them. Loved the realization that all each did helped in its way to safeguard Frodo and Sam. Yes, wonderful, Docmon. Author Reply: Oh, Legolas just needed some chill time! ;-) Yes, it has all come full circle, to an extent, at least. Now, it's onward with the Quest. Thank you for all your comments!

Ithilien	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/20/2008
It looks like you've put all the pieces, or most of them, into place, as they were meant to be. Now how did Legolas know Merry should seek out Eowyn to give him guidance on choosing his direction? Does the elf also have foresight? It's an interesting thought. I was delighted to see Legolas make his confession. I loved Gimli's argument that they would have found a way to get the elf out. It was a moot point, but it proved he did not bear a grudge. And now the mood has lifted and the Fellowship is once again the Fellowship, all fighting for the same goal. Back to business. I'm going to be very sad to see this story end but obviously it must. You've done a great job on this story! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Ithilien! It means so much! I'm glad you liked the confession scene. Yes, Gimli's point was moot, but that was the point exactly. Gimli would never have given up. And Legolas was right, they would have lost their chance in the process. But Gimli's loyalty is to the end. Legolas isn't going so much on foresight, though I allowed the possibility for that a teensy bit, but more on conclusions he had drawn from his interactions with her. Between words she said and those she did not say, he has seen the impatience and wanting in her for something more. Other than that, she intrigued him, so perhaps he thought she would have worthwhile input for Merry. And he basically had a hunch, let's say. Or we could call it foresight! :-D And now things are nicely wrapped up, ready to go back to business. Just the finishing touches left. It's been a great ride. Thanks again for all your comments!

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/18/2008
Aw, only one more chapter? I suppose the story is coming to a satisfying end, although I wish it would go on and on. This chapter was excellent ... good to see Legolas finally coming to grips with things and it felt so right that he found his strength coming from the company. I enjoyed Gandalf's study of the fellowship and his crotchety moments. Looking forward to the final chapter! Author Reply: I have never written a story this long, and I think that went on long enough! :-D Though, I had always intended to end the story as it returned to canon, and not go any further. That just took longer than I expected! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter so much. I was hoping I didn't overdo all the emotional venting. It had to be done, and I would _never_ have left readers without those issues resolved! But I'm not one for so much drama, so I had to break it up with a crotchety wizard and such. The epilogue will send everyone off into canon, and then it's goodbye! Thanks for all your reviews!

Naledi	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/17/2008
I am so relieved that Legolas is friends with Gimli again. I really admire him for making that admission to Gimli about not going back to look for his friends when Treebeard rescued him. At last I can believe he's on the mend. All the way through this tale, you've highlighted the hobbits' resilience and courage, and I liked the fact that it was their example, rather than Gandalf's words, that helped Legolas to make up his mind. Author Reply: Yes, Legolas, and all the rest, are on the mend, as the story returns to canon. It has been returning for the last couple of chapters, but here we have arrived nearly at the merging point. You make such a good point, Naledi. Legolas's answer had to be as it was, because the story had been about their struggle, and not so much their triumph over it. Gandalf gave it his best, but he was not there at those crucial times. Even a wizard can miss the mark on occasion. ;-) Thank you for all your reviews!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/17/2008
The company is together at last! Very emotional Legolas apologizes to Gimli. It seems that l, everything is going back to following the books. I will miss this fic when you finish, we are having less and less good fics around. I love your Legolas, and I want to point that I was always a Faramir fans (Faramir books, of course) Love the description of them n the terrace, and Gandalf, doing his wizard meddling and Merry comments, Orc-size hole indeed. As usual I'm reading this at work and can’t review it properly and I have no time at home, so thanks for this wonderful story and I'll be wanting for updates and new stories as well. Thansk, Fantasia Author Reply: Thank you, Fantasia! Yes, this chapter was very emotional. I tried to not let it get overboard. ;-) But there was business that had to be attended to. I always aimed to bring the story back to canon, and at first, I actually thought it would come back earlier. It soon was clear it had to run all the way to Edoras. Thank you for your compliments, Fantasia, and for all your reviews!

Ainu Laire	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/17/2008
I'm sad to see this story nearing an end, but I am so happy all set itself right. That makes me happy, very happy. These last few chapters have been magnificent. Of course, one must wonder what will happen with the orcs coming to Rohan, and, of course, how Saruman will bail himself out. I cannot remember if Grima is still loose or not, but it would work. Now... someone has to ask this question... what are you planning for your next story(ies)? What can we expect, and when can we expect it? You certainly have a knack at characterization and plots, so there must be more! :) Author Reply: I'm so glad you're happy, AL. I don't doubt you'd have the Staff Elf after me if you weren't. :-D Well, all loose ends won't be wrapped up so neatly. I have to leave something for the reader to wonder about. Of course, that's also known as a nuzgul, and I freely release any and all nuzgul that may escape from this story. [beg] If you feel nibbling around the ankles, well, you know what it is... I do have something in the works, but it will be quite a while before that sees the light of day. It's still in the early stages. Sorry I can't give more! Thanks for all your reviews!

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