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The Hunting Trip  by Ithilien 6 Review(s)
LittlefishReviewed Chapter: 42 on 12/11/2003
I'M BACK!!!!!!!
I am so sorry it has taken me this long to catch up and leave a review, but to say that my life has been hectic lately would be a vast understatement. School has been going okay, but my father is still having some bad health problems. Reading your story has provided a wonderful excursion from the real world! I enjoyed this chapter very much, and look forward to moving on to the next! I see that the story is complete, and I can't wait to see how you end it! That said, let's move on to some specifics so I can get on to reading some more!!!

This chapter was exciting because we got to see some further developments on the part of Kattica and Bregus. Telling it from Eowyn's point of view was pure genious, because though we know Kattica is good, we were left with a little inkling of doubt. Was the power in the cave too much for her? Was maybe a part of her really reverting back to the lure of the dark magic? These were some of the questions going through my mind. Excellent job!

And then of course we have Legolas. I always enjoy Legolas scenes...*sheepish grin* He is in pretty bad shape right now. I think I was correct about the sea longing being his greatest enemy right now, even over his back injury. Poor Eowyn. Of course, she did what she thought was right at the time. I really enjoyed the character development all throughout this chapter. Bregus, Kattica, and Eowyn all played wonderfully off of each other, and my anticipation to see what was going to happen next only grew! Wonderful job!!

Thundera TigerReviewed Chapter: 42 on 12/11/2003
I'm baAAack!

(And you thought you were rid of me...)

I cannot tell you how much I missed your story. What made it even worse was when it started coming out again I'd put myself on a forced hiatus away from reading in an effort to overcome writer's block. Argh. I broke that hiatus just for you, I'll have you know. Anyway, I'm going to try to work my way up through the chapters and leave you a proper review for each, because Valar know you deserve it! Wow. What a series!!!

This chapter started with so many interesting nuances. It took me a moment to remember that Eowyn had never met Kattica. I was so used to her by now and used to seeing her through eyes that had come to know her that it was something of a shock to see her in a different light. You used such a light touch in painting her through Eowyn's perceptions, and it is undoubtedly Eowyn who is watching this. She is almost immediately distrustful of anything that seems unnatural, and well she should be, because Wormtongue was very similar. Anyway, it made for a wonderful effect, and for a moment, I began to wonder what Kattica was up to. It was fascinating to watch the exchange between Kattica, Bregus, Gordash, and Curtik as though from the sidelines.

And then you included Legolas and Eowyn. I was as thrown as Eowyn by the sudden shift, which is a testament to your writing ability. The ensuing argument/discussion/debate was mind-blowing, and Eowyn's ability to gauge reactions around her was inspired. I loved it. She was by no means omniscient or completely in control of her own emotions, but she was definitely the shieldmaiden of Rohan who had struggled to hold a kingdom together beneath Saruman's shadow. As far as characterization goes, nobody beats you, Ithilien!

And then their efforts to heal Legolas seem to backfire on them. Not a good sign. Poor elf. Of course, having read the end, I know it all turns out for the best, more or less. But at the time I read this, I was shaking. You squeeze angst for all it's worth, and there's never a moment where anything even has a chance to congeal. And then Bregus extracts a truly dangerous pledge from Kattica. Beautiful writing, Ithilien. Absolutely beautiful! Remind me to take notes.



Author Reply: Goodness! You're not really going to review each chapter, are you? As much as I love it, please don't feel compelled to do so. I'd rather you put the effort into your stories (which I happily say as I note a new chapter to FND is up and I must go read it!!!). I love that you love this story though, and thank you so much for the compliments. They make me feel all warm and congealed inside (*snort*). Oh, and by the way, congratulations on the MPA nominations! You go girl! Of course we are now both competing against each other, but I am just thrilled to be nominated. I really mean that too. I feel like I'm among good company.

Hugs, and thank you again!
Ithilien

Tapetum LucidumReviewed Chapter: 42 on 11/2/2003
Yeah! I missed you so much! (well, maybe it was just Legolas being in a coma...)

Practiced in deception... I think poor Kattica has a masters degree in it by now. I think only Bregus' sons have switched sides more often. She was clever to get past the guards. She did an excellent job of convincing Bregus that she was still loyal. She even fooled her husband (though that is not usually too difficult). Gordash's support of her was also very convincing. They were clever to give him the stones. Her argument was very well thought out - great job. Bregus' power has increased dramatically in the protected place.

Kattica was clever to play up the "torture the elf" angle. It made her story even more believable. I feel sorry for Eowyn - she feels so guilty about Legolas' condition even though she is in no way responsible. You are good at toying with your reader's emotions. I wonder what she was really doing to the elf. I don't think she was really trying to help him.

Kattica pledged her soul?! That is very scary. It must be Halloween.

NightwingReviewed Chapter: 42 on 11/1/2003
Well, things seem to be going well up to this point. I think Kattica's goal was to be alone with Eowyn and Legolas and her husband, so hopefully she can start on her role in the plans to bring Bregus down.

Poor elf... aargh... I was surprised by the violence of his reaction when Bregus touched him. I would not have thought it possible for him to strike out like that, hurt as he is, but it shows how deeply he fears and hates her. He still fights!

On to the next chapter!

*~SuGaR~*Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/31/2003
wooohoooo!!! Legolas is awake...oh, wait...damn it!!!
*sigh*...finally, an update!!! actually thought something was gonna happen rite away...should have known better with you. *glares* Way to post on Halloween!!! Kattica's got herself in a rut now...but where are the others?? still eagerly waiting to hear about the amulet and halberd. ...oooh pretty fireworks...hehe, looking out the window...well, i hope you don't just have Legolas laying around doing nothing for this whole witch defeating thing. Gotta go read the next chappie now!!! bai!~ HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!

*~SuGaR~*

LamielReviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/31/2003
Oh, Ithilien! What a wonderful tension between Kattica and Bregus here, such intensity in their conflict. Of course we still trust Kattica, but it's clear that she really is tempted by the dark powers, and who wouldn't be drawn to Legolas? There's something very dark in all this talk of proboing his mind. I'm so impressed by the rhythm and pacing of this story. Every little scene is given its full due, and nothing is left underdeveloped or unexplored. There's such depth, such power of emotion and description. Wonderful, just wonderful.

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