Caught Between the Light and Dark by Budgielover
pebbles66 · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen
Holy Cow! What a cliffhanger (again) :) Can't you write just a little bit faster? Please?
Author's reply
Hi, Pebbles! You'll be happy to hear that the last two chapters have just come back from my dear beta, and you will be seeing them very soon, with much less wait than the others (for which I apologize).
Pearl Took · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen
OMG!! Edge of my seat with anxiety!! Awesome!! (and "you go! little hyper Pippin" ;) )
Author's reply
You're going to fall off that seat! *grins* And I think Pippin needs absolutely no encouragement - he's a ticking time bomb... heh, heh, heh...
Andrea · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen
"The Nazgûl paid no heed to the flames, or to the burning, dying goblins screaming around it. Its sword in its mailed hands, it ignored the burning figures, side-stepping the pools of flaming oil.With senses they could not begin to understand, it avoided the flames and the stumbling, shrieking figures and walked towards them, grim purpose in its every step." WOW! They came just in time to distract the goblins and the Nazgul! So Frodo and his companions are safe for the moment. But what will Gandalf do against such an enemy? Of course I feel involved in this story. It's just impossible not to :)
Author's reply
That is so nice of you to say, Andrea. We read (and write) these stories for so many reasons, but foremost for me is the pleasure they seem to give to others. I know I love reading my favorite fanfic classics again and again, and greet each new story from my favorite authors with glee, as if they had given me the best present possible. And possibly even more fun is adding a new story or author to my cherished favorites. It's just so good to hear that you feel the same way!
shirebound · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen
I seem to be stuck in "Wow" mode for this story. “We will be slaughtered,” Gimli growled. “There are hundreds of them, not to mention the Ringwraith. It is certain death.” He paused a moment. “Right then, I’ll take the point.” Oh, Gimli! And crazed, brave Pippin, and wise Aragorn with the fire idea, and Frodo has escaped, but... !!!! Wow.
Author's reply
Amazing how those three letters warm us all over, isn't it? *hugs Shirebound*
Hai Took · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
I can't believe how long it takes me to get over here these days *sigh* I did want to let you know I had read your latest chapter and I'm still very worried about our characters! Merry did some very quick thinking despite being very sick! Good of Boromir to be so willing to sacrifice himself for the hobbits! Looking forward to more! I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
More's coming, Hai, though we are approaching the end. I'm so glad you liked the part with Boromir - he doesn't get enough credit. (Thank heavens the end is near - this has been a long one, hasn't it? The other stories in the queue are getting quite put-out.)
Pearl Took · 28 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
How do I keep missing your updates? I'm sure I get the notices. I apologize :( This is getting incrediby tense. Wonderful action and wonderful build-up. Edge of my seat anxiety. Wonderful!! Very well done :) :)
Author's reply
You certainly have no need to apologize, Pearl! I'm just glad you have been so patient with my slow updating - so many other, unimportant things in RL have been intruding lately. Thank you for sticking with it!
shirebound · 28 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
"I will defend us for as long as I can," Frodo said tiredly. "If it is within my power, they will take neither of us alive." Wow. The courage and nobility of Boromir and Frodo in this chapter are just marvelous. This is still so suspenseful!
Author's reply
Yes! *does happy fist-pumping Pippin dance* Still suspenseful! No mercy! Haaaaaaaaa ... (the pint of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream I just finished has absolutely no impact on my ablility to respond to reviews.) *grins*
Andrea · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
Oh my god! Did I really overlook this chapter? How could that happen? Your cliffhangers are just awesome! At least, Frodo's finally out of that hole and he could help Merry! I like the thought of Frodo and Boromir fighting together like brothers. But how long can they withstand an increasing horde of Goblins? I think, I asked you already, but I do it again: This isn't AU, is it?
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I like the image of Boromir and Frodo fighting together too - I am certain there was friendship between them before the Ring's influence corrupted Boromir. It was a joy to write that scene between them. To answer your question, aren't all of our stories AU? Just how AU; to what degree. I try to write as canon-based as possible and would never write something I think would dishonor Professor Tolkien's universe. (If you are asking, Andrea, if there will be a character death - the answer is no. I simply could not bear to do that, and never would. I am the world's biggest softie...)
Dreamflower · 19 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
Whoa!! And I thought your cliffhangers couldn't *get* any more dire! Boy, was *I* wrong! Whoosh! It's a good thing I know that this isn't AU! It isn't, is it?
Author's reply
I think this story is 'raising the bar.' You know, I've thought a lot about the AU classification. In the greater sense, everything we (fanfic authors) write in Professor Tolkien's universe is AU, because he did not write it. But I try to make my stories as faithful to canon as possible ... even if the Professor would most likely be horrified at what I do to our poor Ring-bearer!
GamgeeFest · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
Well, at least Frodo is out of there, if not safe. Boromir's resolve to defend the hobbits to the last is fitting, and mirrors the events that will take place at Parth Galen. Seems Merry will start feeling better just in time to take down a few orcs himself. Loved Frodo's defiance of the Witch King and his refusal to put on the Ring. This is just wonderful, as always. Keep it coming!
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying this fic! Oddly enough, it started out as a one-chapter humor fic, which I wasn't satisfied with. I struggled with it for months, then it turned this direction. And just took off. (Rather frightening, really... ;D )
GIRLOFRING · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
WHEW! LOST FOR WORDS. HURRY ARAGORN AND GANDALF!!!!!!
Author's reply
*grins* You know how some chapters almost write themselves? I know you have experienced that. This was one of those...
Ariel · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
As the pace of stories being written winds down, it is good to know that we still have a Budgie fic or two around to read. Ah... very satisfying, even with your trademark cliffhanger! LOL!
Author's reply
I hope so! I can't imagine not writing in this universe ... it is so rich and absorbing and delightful and funny and horrific and ... so much more. And yet working within a limited framework, there are millions of plots and stories still waiting to be written. What a gift Professor Tolkien left us.
Breon Briarwood · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
Yes! No! EEK! *faints*
Author's reply
Amazing how you can convey so much in so little! (and ... thanks!)
eiluj · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
Well, at least Merry's better. This chapter wouldn't have been nearly so stressful except that I skipped to the end (to see how horrible you were going to be to the Fellowship) and misread "The soldier shot the hobbit a twisted smile over his shoulder" as "The soldier shot the hobbit *with* a twisted smile...."
Author's reply
*snerk* I would laugh at you more loudly except that I'm so flattered you felt you had to skip ahead to see the end!
Larner · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
OOOOOHHHHHH! Unfair! Cliffhanger! Am continuing to follow this as it is posted, and love it!
Author's reply
Now, Larner, you knew there will be a cliffhanger in most (not all, but most) of my chapters! Only three more to go, though. Then some light, happy stories while the angst builts up again...
Elwen · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve
Somebody call for the cavalry!!!!!
Author's reply
You know, as you write intricate plots yourself, you will understand how EASY it would have been to do that ... Elves arriving to save the day. So of course I couldn't do that. Nearly killed me, but - oops! Almost gave away a spoiler!
Hobbit Lass21 · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
*long pause* I crown you the Cliffhanger Master. Nuff' said.
Author's reply
*bows* I accept the mantle and wear it with pride. Thank you!
Breon Briarwood · 10 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Oh no, so close! eep... *bites nails*
Author's reply
Amazing how we can spin so much out of such a simple chain of events, isn't it? One little innocent slip down a steep slope ... and pow!
Larner · 10 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
A terrible place to leave them--so close and yet so far, and with a warg below! Ayee!
Author's reply
"Caught Between," you might say. Ah, the creative joy of incorporating a repetitive theme!
Andrea · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Oh my god! You are really a master in the art of creating cliffhangers! So the warg was not pursuing the rescuers, but Frodo. And now, there's not much more time left. The goblins, even the Nazgul could arrive any minute. Let's hope, Boromir and Frodo will quickly find a solution to pull him out of that hole. Merry needs help, and soon! The rest of the fellowship seems to be very near. I will regard this a glimpse of hope! BTW: I liked Pippin in this chapter!
Author's reply
And the threads start to come together... You summed it up exceedingly well. I hope you will enjoy the final four chapters. Thanks!
pebbles66 · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Oh, not another cliffhanger! I can't take much more of this! I love hyper-Pippin, and poor Sam being saddled with him. I also love that Frodo was able to hear Merry, recognize his voice, and receive added strength by focusing on reaching his cousin. Great chapter, and can't wait for more!
Author's reply
I love 'hyper-Pippin' too, because he is so innocent and sweet, even in overdrive. He has no idea he is driving the rest of the Fellowship mad. And I worked especially hard on the section with Frodo and Merry, and am so glad that it seems to have gotten across the emotions I wanted readers to feel. Thank you!
shirebound · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Gah! I'm not going to have *any* nails left soon! I'm so relieved that Frodo isn't alone anymore. And Poor Pippin is going to really need to sleep this off, isn't he?
Author's reply
This story is probably not what anyone needs right now, with the disasters and sad things going on. More stress... But at least ours is a happy sort of stress, a retreat from the sorrows of the world, just for a little while.
girlofring · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
oh, Budgie, you must update soon. You left us in a cliffie again! Hope to email you soon.
Author's reply
Of course a cliffie, sweetie! I do have an image to maintain, after all. So glad you are enjoying the story.
Dreamflower · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Oh my goodness! From one cliff to another! You just give us no relief, do you? *grin* I just *loved* hyper!Pippin in this! He's so funny and earnest when he goes into overdrive, and Aragorn and Gandalf are getting just what they deserve from hopping him up in the first place, LOL! I do feel sorry for poor Sam, though! And I loved how it was the sound of Merry in trouble that gave Frodo the strength he needed for one final push--Merry will ever and always be his "baby brother", and Frodo's need to protect him will come to the fore. Even though they are still in a lot of trouble, I'm very glad and relieved to see him together with Boromir and Merry once more. Frodo all alone and fleeing the Nazgul in the dark was almost more than I could take. As for the others--*meep* Please update soon!
Author's reply
I think you touched on every point or image I was trying to get across in this chapter, especially the love between Frodo and Merry. Thank you so much for all your kind words!
Hai Took · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Oh dear! They all must be pretty close together, yes? I mean they have to be near the warg all hearing him and atleast Frodo seeing him? I'm sure Aragorn is regretting giving Pippin the drug at all as it seems to have lasted longer than he thought, poor Sam. Frodo had such an agonizing climb now he is so close yet still he can't get free! I hope Boromir is able to do something! He has certainly had a hard time with things, of course they all have. Looking forward to more and hoping it is soon!
Author's reply
It just tickles me no end to see people so involved in a story... I mean, I can be totally focused on a fanfic and think about it and agonize waiting for an update, but for some reason, I find it funny (funny - odd) when people have the same reaction towards my stories. Thank you, Hai, for following this story with such attention!