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The River by Indigo Bunting	24 Review(s)
Periantari	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/1/2006
HOw awesome was this chapter, i can't begin to praise. It was so exciting when Sam was found and then reviving him and Merry taking charge to help resusicate Sam---wow ..i was again on the edge of my seat throughout this one. I finally get to see fine, very fine comfort/healing for Sam... and his telling the Fellowship what he knew---that dialogue was written really well. I really like your detail in having him stutter a bit because he's still so cold. And Frodo helping Sam out is awesome. :) And i love your Merry--love that you put him in charge and that Aragorn also looks to him for help. :) I love your Boromir point of view--it's awesome to hear from him. Reallyliked this line: Boromir could say without boasting that he was a brave man, but even the bravest of souls were not immune to fear. I really like your Boromir characterization. :) And LEgolas being carried in with an arrow in his back!!! wow... my heart stopped there. I hope that he will be ok... poor Legolas. I see that this will continue on for a while--i really hope the Men don't find them so soon... But question: isn't the Men on the same side of the River as the Fellowship? If this is true, then the Men will quickly find them again ....very soon. WOw--you know how much I ADORE this story ...but this chapter ruled because finally Sam is the recipient of much needed care. awww~! And yes, please update asap. :) Author Reply: Well, so much for the updating ASAP, huh? I’m so sorry it’s been so long; I’ll mention why in a brief note at the end of the next chapter. I’m so glad you’re continuing to enjoy the story. These last chapters have given many of the characters a chance to put their nobler qualities on display. The story is mostly finished by this point, but there are still a few chapters left to go. The Men are not on the same side of the river as the Fellowship, but they know where they’re at. Garan will have guessed that the group of spies he saw has something to do with Sam and Legolas, though, and he’ll want to get them back. I hope you keep on reading when I post again (soon!) and that you keep on enjoying!

	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/1/2006
It was a delight to find that you had updated, and what a wonderful chapter this is. I'm much relieved that the fellowship is together again, even if poor Sam and Legolas are not in the best of shape. I have confidence in the others to pull them thruogh. I'm glad that you actually let us see Boromir save Sam, and I am glad that Boromir was the one to do it. It was a treat to get to see him risking his life for Sam and helping Pippin with the fire. I'm glad he was a bit put out with Aragorn's impatience with Pippin. Boromir was very likeable in this chapter. Pippin was very well done. I liked seeing a less foolish version of the youngest hobbit. Seeing Merry in take-charge mode was another highlight. With the men still out to get them, the fellowship is not out of the woods yet. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I have one question. I'm probably just dense, but why was Frodo hesitant to take Sam's hand? Althea Author Reply: How’s it going, Althea? I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply to this review. I left a bunch of them hanging for some reason, but it’s time for me to catch up now. I’m so glad you liked Boromir in the last chapter. The poor guy gets kind of a bum rap, I think. I always envisioned him as a noble Man with the best of intentions who wants something so badly that it makes him act in a way that is contrary to his basic nature. It can’t have been easy for him to weigh the fate of Gondor (as he imagined it) against the will of a couple of Elves, Dwarves and Hobbits at a little council. People do some crazy things in the name of love. I’m also glad that you liked Pippin. Too often he seems to be portrayed as purely clownish, but there’s nothing in this present situation to joke about, really. He ends up as a knight of Gondor; the raw material for that has to be in place to start with.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/1/2006
Once again, your choice of perspective works well here. I like what you've done with Boromir, making him a real guy's guy. He is extremely brave to be rushing into the river after Sam, but I like that he has his limits, too. I especially like that he seems to be discovering some of those limits here. That he was perfectly brave and capable and ready to help with the rescue right up till it involved CPR on a drowning victim said quite a bit about his character without you ever having to come right out and say anything. Legolas really has taken quite a beating, and what with the arrow wound and the surgery, he's going to be one miserable Elf for the next couple of days. But it sounds like he'll have all eight of his (current) nearest and dearest watching over him like a whole flock of guardian angels, so he'll be okay. It's good that everyone is together again. Even if the Men come back, they'll have quite a bit to deal with. Author Reply: Bonjour, French Pony! I apologize for waiting so long to respond to your review. It’s been so long that I don’t even remember why I replied to only half of them at the time. I’m glad you liked the last chapter. It sounds like you get a very masculine vibe from Boromir, too. I always thought that his father must have had extremely high expectations of his children, and that Boromir must have been more like him than Faramir was. It could certainly help explain why Denethor favored Boromir so much, but I also like the idea that the two brothers were close despite their father. I try to keep my writing as close to the books as I can, but I really liked the way the movies handled the relationship between Boromir and Faramir. You’re right – Legolas isn’t going to be dying on anyone. I don’t think I’m giving anything away by saying so. After all, if he kicked the bucket, then this story would veer firmly into AU territory, and I’ve been calling this a “side adventure” right from the start.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/1/2006
Ah, but imagination is such a strong thing, and this memory is so close to what they have been through this afternoon and early evening. That it should have been sparked is all too plausible; as is the fact of it hitting close to the heart. The heart isn't ruled by rational thinking, after all. And the fight for Legolas's life is still far from over, after all. Thank heavens they had a River Hobbit along! Author Reply: Hello, Larner! I apologize for not responding to this review way back when you first left it. I can’t believe it’s been since March. I’m getting ready to post again, though, so I thought I had better get caught up with these! I’m glad you liked the last chapter. It was almost stressful to write at times, and I was kind of drained afterwards. Very lucky indeed for the Fellowship to have Merry with them. Everyone’s got their own set of skills, and this was the perfect time for Merry to use his.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/28/2006
I love all that lies beneath the surface in this one. Boromir's confession about Faramir to Frodo who, unbeknown to Boromir, lost his parents to drowning; Merry's knowledge of what to do for someone who is nearly drown makes me wonder all what all he has seen from living near the Brandywine all of his life, Pippin's determination to be counted among the warriors but his hesitation upon second thought, Aragorn's need to save Legolas and Gimli's unspoken feelings about the Elf in this time, Frodo's inner guilt at putting all in danger because of what he carries, Sam's worry for both Frodo and Legolas in spite of his own peril, and Gandalf who has the power to do so much but is limited to heating water and allowing what will happen to happen! This is wonderful! Boromir is so noble and he is struggling with so much more than he can name at this point. I am rambling but this was one fantastic chapter! Author Reply: Well, looky here – someone’s finally getting around to answering her reviews from more than THREE MONTHS AGO! Truth be told, I did answer a few of them right away, but I stopped at some point and I’m not sure why. I really shouldn’t have left you hanging of all people; you’ve been such a great reader. Still, I hope that readers recognize this pattern in me by now. If a month or so goes by and I suddenly start responding to reviews, it means that I’m about ready to post again (since I don’t like to post until I’ve sent all my responses). So glad you liked the last chapter! It’s been so interesting to get into the heads of all these different characters and see how they think about the same situation. They’ve all got such different backgrounds and histories that they’re all thinking and feeling some very different things. You also mentioned Gandalf, and how he’s limited in what he can do at present. Sometimes we all get stuck in no-win situations; whatever we do, we lose. Lucky for everyone that Sam and Legolas decided to take their fate into their own hands.

Lamiel	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/28/2006
This is such a good story, and I was so happy to see that you'd updated. And with such a nice long, satisfying chapter too! I was afraid that you'd leave us with another cliff-hanger, at least with regard to Legolas' survival. I know that I probably would have done so, were I writing the story. You are a kinder author than I, and I'm grateful for that. There's a nice mix of suspense and action in this chapter, and even some character development for Boromir. Excellent! I also thought that you did a good job managing the details of first aid in Middle-earth. It's always a trick to figure out what they might have known in those times. We modern readers would cringe to see Aragorn perform surgery without disinfectant, and yet in the Middle Ages doctors had no concept of the practice. Still, Elrond was the greatest healer in Middle-earth, and he trained Aragorn. Presumably the Elves would be a bit more sophisticated. I particularly liked Merry's revival of Sam. Of course he wouldn't know modern CPR, but his technique was still effective, and it made sense to the reader that it would be so. That was an example of story-telling in its finest form. You show what is happening, you don't tell the reader more than what the character would know, and everything makes sense. Wonderfully done. I am so glad to have the Fellowship back together again at last! Aragorn's desperation to reach Legolas fairly radiated off the page, even though it was told from Boromir's POV. That small moment when he snapped at Pippin was particularly striking. Oh, this is so well done. I'm eager to read the next chapter, and yet I don't want the story to end. I hope that you have many more plot bunnies nipping at your heels, because I would love to read any other stories you feel inspired to write. Author Reply: Hello, Lamiel! Glad you liked Boromir’s “character development”. One reason that I like Fellowship stories so much is because it gives readers (and me as a writer) the chance to have a new take on the characters. I always felt like Boromir came off as a bit one-sided in the books. I imagine that he had many noble qualities that must have shone through before he began to succumb to the pull of the Ring. After all, he did manage to redeem himself when all was said and done. A lot of people commented on the “Middle-earth first aid/CPR”. You pinpointed my thoughts exactly on the use of disinfectant. I feel certain that while the Elves had no concept of microbes, they might have made the connection between cleanliness and infection. And yes, Elrond was the greatest healer in Middle-earth, and Aragorn followed his reputation. I’m pleased that you liked Merry’s scene, too. I thought that since the Brandybucks lived near water, they probably would have seen many near-drownings… and perhaps puzzled out how to revive the victims, even if they didn’t know everything that was happening physiologically when they did so. Ah, I’m glad to see that Aragorn’s concern for Legolas was apparent. He really didn’t behave fairly toward Pippin, although he has some excuse. They’re all feeling the strain, Aragorn especially. It can’t be easy to have an old friend depending on you for their life. As for the end of the story, well, it’s not here yet. I’ve got a few more chapters left at least. I don’t know what I’ll do after I finish it, but if a worthy bunny comes along, I’ll probably tackle it. :)

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/28/2006
Oh, this chapter is just as suspense filled as the rest have been, in spite of the rescue. There is so much to like about it, it's going to be hard to list them all! And I have very little time now for a proper review, so I hope to come back and do one tomorrow! Author Reply: So nice of you to want to leave a "proper" review, although I wouldn't be at all hurt if you only felt compelled to leave a short one! You've been an excellent reviewer, long or short. (I'll leave more comments after your other review.)

GamgeeFest	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/28/2006
big sigh of relief They're safe and back with the Fellowship at last! What a relief! It was such good luck that Boromir saw Sam's hand. He could have so easily missed it. Legolas will be fine, once he recovers from the cold and the arrow wound. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I doubt the Fellowship will have much time to rest before being assualted. Garan won't let his men rest until they get their "prizes" back. Congrats on the nominations, they're very much deserved. :) Author Reply: Thanks, GamgeeFest. You’re right about Boromir being lucky; he definitely could have missed the sight of Sam’s hand against the rock. I think the Fellowship should be more concerned for Sam than Legolas in the long run. Legolas has surely been through the wringer more than once, but Sam hasn’t. Running from Ringwraiths is one thing; his recent experiences are another.

Delrauko	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/28/2006
Great! im glad legolas and sam are safe with the fellowship again...or as safe as they can be anyway! cant wait for the ending! Author Reply: Thanks, Delrauko! Sam and Legolas are with the Fellowship, yes, but the story’s not over yet.

XtremeFrolicker	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/28/2006
Congratulations on yet another WONDERFULLY written chapter!! I've been checking constantly to see if it was up, and you just made my day by posting it!! I'm so happy to hear you're nominated for an award- you deserve it. I'm really happy that the Fellowship is back together, but does this mean that the stories almost over? Could you add a couple dozen more plot twists please? Author Reply: Thanks, Xtreme! It’s so nice to hear that you’re so involved in the story. I know what you mean about new chapters of your favorite stories being such a treat. I love it when the stories I follow get updated. About the length of the story: it’s not over yet. Yes, Sam and Legolas are back with the rest of the company, but they have some recovering to do. Garan and three of his men are still wandering around out there, too, and now they know of the existence of the rest of the Fellowship. They ought to have some idea that these newcomers have something to do with their lost prisoners, as they were watching the showdown from across the river. (And Aragorn did shoot at them, too, although that hasn’t been stated yet.) I don’t think a little thing like being outnumbered will stop Garan from trying to find the Fellowship; he’s a sorcerer, after all, and thinks quite a lot of himself. The question is: can he find a way down the cliff and across the river?

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