Reviews (249)

Meldewen Ilce · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 43: Slipping Away

Oh thank goodness you've at least got Nell to safety - so if you need to leave us hanging at least that's one less thing that'll be on our minds! Now all you'll need to do is somehow save Ulrich as I suspect Ferdi will recover after he has his wife at his side again! Anxiously awaiting more!

Hai Took · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 41: Into the Dawn

Oh my! I do believe Pilgrim is insane, I had thought on it a bit beofre but now I am positive! AT least Pippin is up and about again, I hope Ferdi will be soon to follow. Although I am thinking he will not wake unless Nell can come back to him! I hope Bergil is able to get on top of things and find these ruffians pretending to be guards! Looking forward to more!

Grey Wonderer · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 41: Into the Dawn

Meanwhile, back at the ranch? LOL No, I don't think there are too many characters and I love it back at the ranch with Faramir and Goldie. I just don't know how you do it. I think stories with lots of characters are more interesting because there is more going on. I admire your ability to write using more than a few characters. I can never make them all fit together properly. I shall be happy to visit the ranch as long as you are driving the buckboard. The horses always seem to get away from me. :>)

Grey Wonderer · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 41: Into the Dawn

Poor Nell and poor Fredi! I loved Pippin's reaction to the healer and how she took it as a compliment! Made me laugh. More trouble on the way in this one I think. I admire how you manage so many character so well all at once. I would be completely lost trying to keep them all in place. You do it beautifully. I am never lost when I read them and so I know how much work you've put into them. Each, even the originals, get their fair share of the story and come off as fully realized individuals. Waiting for more...

FantasyFan · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 41: Into the Dawn

I guess I need to learn to be patient. I don't ever think of anything you haven't thought through and planned out already - you take such good care of us with your wonderful stories! Pip's with Ferdi now, and Merry has been putting his clever brain to work. I thought they would be trying to come up with something to delay the hanging. They wouldn't have been in time, though, so anything that saves Ulrich now is a blessing. I found this paragraph a little confusing: Elessar laid him upon the bed, and he took up Ferdi’s free hand. ‘Ferdi, do you hear me?’ he said. He did not mention Nell, for Elessar had told him that Ferdi did not know of her disappearance and he did not want to distress the Man. Pippin would beg to differ. Nell was not by his side, and if Ferdi were aware of anything at all, he’d know... At first I thought it was Elessar taking Ferdi's hand, so when I got to the next sentence I was somewhat confused, and I was not sure who Man referred to - Ulrich? or maybe Ferdi for an odd reason? I had to read it twice to figure out that it was Pippin thinking, and he meant Aragorn. Perhaps if your editor changes the second pronoun it might read easier? I just got caught in one of those ambiguous grammar loops. Pilgrim and Brant are scaring me. The escalation of violence I've heard is typical for serial killers, and I think I'm glad Nell is still asleep. The bad thing is, Pilgrim's plan could just work. Many of the searchers out now are amateurs (not that the professionsals did such a good job) and could be easily fooled by a clever and brazen psychopath. Eventually he will be caught, but there is a lot of tragedy that could come before. I'm going to trust you that I'll be able to handle reading this story when you've finished it.

Hai Took · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 40: Finders Keepers

I'm glad that the little twins were found! Lassie thinking he knew her name was sweet! I'm glad they ahd the since not to turn them into the madman! I can't wait to find out what happens to Nell and if Ferdi recovers! Thank you for what we have so far!

Meldewen Ilce · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 40: Finders Keepers

Oh thank goodness Pippin and Diamond's babies are safe now! I just hope they can find Pimpernel before that psychopath does what he wants with her! *shudders*

Bluegrass Elf · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 40: Finders Keepers

Yay, they found the twins! I hope they find Nell and the pilgrim soon. Nasty old pilgrim.

FantasyFan · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 40: Finders Keepers

The grandfather has good instincts, and I'm glad he trusts them. Diamond's grief is so raw here, that I'm relieved you reunited her with the twins before vacation. That's mighty kind of you to her, and to us too. Ulrich sounds like a hobbit at the end, do you know? I do believe he is truly sorry, and I hope that you find some way to save him, but I am beginning to wonder why no other hobbits are clamouring to sit with Ferdi. I understand why Aragorn wanted Ulrich to do it - to give back, and to grant comfort - but if the others have been told, they would certainly want to be there. Are Sam and Merry on the search? Are the Itilien hobbits fully occupied with Freddy? If they think Ferdi truly dying, should they not all be there to sing him out?

Bluegrass Elf · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel

The boy'll find Lapis and Lassie! Yay!

FantasyFan · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel

It's a race now! The guardsmen are searching, but they've missed the mark. The Pilgrim has been alerted, but he's not changed his disguise yet. Ulrich races against the dawn, and Ferdi against the darkness. And you're racing against the holiday deadline, while we're racing to keep up! I'm glad you don't want to keep us hanging. Elessar has finally figured out Pippin, hasn't he. He doesn't dare tell him the truth, so he bores him to sleep with a deceptively intimidating healer. Grandmotherly she may be, but I bet Pippin tried to fool his grandmother as well. Though, those eyebrows remind me of Gandalf. The diversion won't work for long, and I suppose Elessar only thinks (hopes) he needs a little time. On a tangent, I wonder, why in this story is the king so definitely Elessar, when I usually think of him as Aragorn? He must be especially kingly or something.

Hai Took · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel

Oh dear! I reread Trial and Jury, and I liked what you added a little more hobbit conversation. I like how Ferdi stood by Ulrich and now Ulrich is sitting by Ferdi! Surely you are not going to let him die! That the two little girls are missing is terrible! You have to admire the King's conviction in finding everyone but these Ruffians are a sneaky lot! I do hope someone finds the girls quick and that this beggar and his grandson don't end up being blamed! Looking forward to more and I understand it is fast in the coming!

Meldewen Ilce · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel

Oops, perhaps I didn't make it clear. Pilgrim and Brant are one person. Pilgrim may think he's ordered Brant to stay and stand guard while Pilgrim goes off scouting, but for some reason Brant never stays put... he always sneaks after Pilgrim to see what he's up to. Hard to get good help these days... That is, Pilgrim and Brant think that they are two people, they are crazy enough to perceive two people when the two personalities are having a discussion, but they are really one Man, split asunder, trapped with his madness in one body. Of course he couldn't leave "Brant" behind, but somehow he is unable to realise that, and "Brant" always lies when Pilgrim returns, implying that he never stirred from the spot. Hopefully this will be clearer in an upcoming chapter. Ahhhh, gotcha! You're pulling a Gollum/Smeagol with this guy and nice (not to mention it is a relief) to know Brant is only in this psychopath's head!

Bodkin · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel

Have a great vacation - and I am so glad you do not want to torture your audience by making them wait. Poor Diamond. She must be desperate. I hope Ulrich helps Ferdi - but not before dawn! I could go on, but I won't. This is just all so exciting.

Meldewen Ilce · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel

Wow - this is getting very angsty and it is disturbing someone is helping that wacko Pilgrim! Oh please let them catch them soon and get Nell out of their hands! And I hope Pippin's daughters are about to be found -- and Ferdi -- is he really dying? And it appears Ulrich has a temporary reprieve from hanging, so as long as Ferdi is alive and needs him...and why doesn't it surprise me he wanted to walk with Ulrich? Oh I hope you can finish this story before you leave as I don't want us readers to be kept hanging (no pun intended)!

Bodkin · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Closing the Barn Door after the Ponies are Gone

No!!!! Save Ferdi!! Save the twins!!! Rescue Ulrich!!! There is too much torment going on here. Don't eat. Don't work. Don't look after your family/house/car/whatever. Get the hobbits and the retired ruffian out of their problems. Get the hobbits to adopt Ulrich - they can't hang hobbits. Get someone to realise that Ulrich is maybe the only person who can identify the Pilgrim. Get Ferdi fixed. Update again in about ten minutes - I can't stand the strain.

FantasyFan · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Closing the Barn Door after the Ponies are Gone

You know, I very seldom notice the titles of chapters, but they do show up at the top of the window where I am typing this review. I was going to make a comment about Bergil closing the door too late, and there it was in the chapter title. Now I have to think of something else to say! I suppose the only good thing to come from this incident is that maybe the hanging will be delayed, while the city is torn apart looking for the hobbits. The Pilgrim has not gone far to hide the girls - hopefully they will be found soon, and his trick with the ether (or whatever the middle-earth equivalent is) may be guessed. But Nell is in real trouble, as I expect he will change his disguise once again and, if he is quick, he may evade capture. On second reading, there is a glimmer of an idea here. Possibly Brandt could sacrifice his life in atonement? I wonder...still trying to puzzle this one out. I suppose I should rather just enjoy the ride, wherever we are going.

Connie · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Closing the Barn Door after the Ponies are Gone

Okay, so you're leaving me a different cliffhanger. I didn't think I'd see an update before I left. Guess I was wrong. I know Ferdi isn't dead; you don't do those kind of things to your main characters. Looks like Pippin isn't going to be the only one dealing with the aftermath of a very bad knock on the head. Pilgim really is crazy. I just hope the Brant side of his personality wins out. I also hope they find the girls quickly. Thanks. Connie.

FantasyFan · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 37: To Market, To Market

This story is just pouring from your pen, faster than I can review, and I love it! I admit I cheated and read the next chapter ahead, but I wanted to review in order, at least as much as I can. So, there is an explanation for Pippin being missing at the trial - he's half out of his head. You've teased us with this idea of a life for a life. Did Pippin's story actually mean that the father was hanged in place of his son? That is a gruesome thought, even if he was dying. If this does come to pass as a way out for Ulrich, who could possibly give up his life? The only one I could accept dying would be the Pilgrim, and he has crimes of his own to atone for. Pippin had more to say, but he's cut off and distracted. Guess I'll have to wait to see where you are going here. And now the horror has made it to Minas Tirith. Pilgrim is too clever, he's figured out the black armbands easily. Despite their fear and warnings of every kind, hobbits are trusting creatures; suspicion is not a part of their nature unless, like Ferdi, they have repeated bad experiences. The girls and Nell and Ferdi are easily taken. At times, this story is hard to read because I know real evil exists and delights in random brutality such as the hobbits have fallen into, and it scares me. (And I've only ever finished one Stephen King book, for that reason).

Bluegrass Elf · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 37: To Market, To Market

Aaahhhhh! No! Bad person! How'd he get a black armband?

Connie · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 37: To Market, To Market

Arrggh! A four day cliffhanger. Well I guess I'll have something to look forward to when I get home on Monday. I figured Pilgrim would try something like this. Those black armbands were too easy to fake. He may be mad, but he's clever. Torturing adults is bad enough, but children our another story. Someone has got to rescue them. If anything happens to Lipis and Lassie, it will probably kill their father. I had woundered why Pippin wasn't at the trial. Is he having a side-effect of his head injury, or is it something else? This sure was an edge-of-the-seat chapter. Thanks. Connie.

FantasyFan · 26 May 2004 · Chapter 36: Trial by Jury

I see many places where this chapter has been revised, for the better I think. The first place I noticed was Freddy's accusation of Faramir of being a ruffian. Though I judge it was in jest, certainly it was a point worth thinking about. Faramir was an honorable man placed in an impossible situation, and though he showed his quality in the end, there were moments of doubt and fear for Sam and Frodo. The parallels are obvious. The main revision, of course, was the expansion of the end of the trial. Budgie and Robin did need to tell their stories, or else why were they there? The boredom of the clerk intimates that this might be a show trial - the conclusion is preordained. But the care and understanding with which the hobbit witnesses are treated point to genuine horror and repugnance by the people and judges, even if it is prejudicial and uninformed. Adding the weight of additional testimony, the evidence of scars and the recounting of additional horrors, and the line is blurred even more. Perhaps the anger of the crowd and the quick verdict are justified by the evidence. The ambiguity is frustrating to the hobbits, for there is a difference between revenge and justice, punishment and penitence that isn't being addressed. I was glad to see more made of the Voice of Saruman, as its a key point for Ulrich. No, the hobbits can't make the people understand it, but I was glad to see Merry and Sam also speaking up for Ulrich. As much as Meliot wants to reinforce that it is the Man's own choices which will convict him, and that the hobbits are not to consider themselves responsible for his coming death, I would expect the peace-loving hobbits to all object strongly to violence done in their name, as well as the perception of injustice. As a matter of fact, I am surprised Ferdi doesn't say more, even if he cannot speak of the truth-sifting. And, I am curious to know why Pip hasn't said anything yet, and how Nell would react after her recent trauma. I am sure she isn't there - she would be protected from this nastiness, as Freddy attempted to protect Meliot - but I wonder what she would say. Is she capable of distinguishing between Ulrich and the Pilgrim? Redemption is an important theme for Tolkien. I'm glad you decided to explore all these shades of grey in this story.

Connie · 26 May 2004 · Chapter 36: Trial by Jury

Yes. I do like the revised chapter better. More testimony is not a bad thing. Even someone familiar with the other stories might benefit from it. I had forgotten about "take the cake", even though I remember it being in the stories now that I had my memory jogged. I will look forward to reading more, but unless you post something later tonight or very early tomorrow, I won't get to read it until Monday. We are off to MediaWest Con tomorrow. Thaks for your hard work on these stories, and your editor's, too. Oh, I almost forgot, I didn't know Aragorn ruled from the North. I thought he devided his time. I thought he spent the summer in the North and the winter in the South. Hmm. Connie.

Meldewen Ilce · 26 May 2004 · Chapter 36: Trial by Jury

Okay, just finished rereading the revision and I like the additions, they add much to the trial itself, made it seem more real, detailed... I like how, in addition to Ferdi's testimony, how you have both Merry and Sam come forward to testify of the poison of Saruman's voice but I also like how the former Guardsman was skeptical of what they say, because even though he saw Gandalf he never really had a close encounter with him and therefore does not understand the power the wizards could wield over those around them for good or evil... Yes, I do like the additions!

Meldewen Ilce · 26 May 2004 · Chapter 36: Trial by Jury

Well, I for one thought that this chapter is very well-done and I'll say it again: I do not want to see Ulrich hang for his past and really I think it should be the hobbits who have the ultimate say to his fate as it was them the ruffians hurt the most, not the men of the White City... And if the hobbits have found it in their hearts to forgive him, then Ulrich should go free... Great chapter and I anxiously await more!