Reviews (85)

elliska · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

Great ending. Aragorn is wonderful here. He shows himself to be very wise and just, exactly as you would expect. And I really liked Wen. She might do well leading her people with the help Aragorn has provided. This was a great story, FP!

Bodkin · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

I've been putting off reading this until it was complete - I wanted to get through all the tension in one go! Wow. What a ride. Eowyn was so brave - and her offspring take after her. Arwen and Ninniach - the moment when Doronrin was killed was horrific - and that nasty little Haytham. What a piece of work! I'm sorry Thano died, in a way. He had promise - but he was taken and used and could not endure the fear of what defeat would bring. I'm glad Wen has taken on the role of Lady - and that Gondor is going to help establish Nurn so that the people can support themselves. And I'm not surprised that Legolas and his people want a bit of time away from the realms of men. This could well have been a reminder of why the races ended up living separately. But I'm glad that the division is only going to be temporary. Great story. I'm looking forward to more.

Linda Hoyland · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

I'm sorry this story is over.I especially loved the scenes for Aragorn. Arwen and their daughter.It was nice to see the women so strong.

grumpy · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

Very good story. Loved Arwin and Lady Wen in this chapter. Plus Aragorn has learned from his mistake from the past. and is sending someone to teach. Hate to say it but I am disappointed in Legolas. A elf who has befreinded dwarf, should know that not all of a race, should be blamed for what some do. The elves themselves have had some black times in their history. Anyways good story, enjoyed it.

daw the minstrel · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

Nice wrap up, Pony. You pulled the threads together. I was glad to see Wen and her people with a little brighter future. And the withdrawal of the elves seems fitting somehow. It's mysterious a little, a little alien. I liked that too.

Manderly · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

A very satisfactory ending, or as satisfactory as it can be in the circumstances. Everybody lost something in this story. Aragorn, Arwen and Faramir will never feel the same about the security offered by Minas Tirith. Nurn lost its lord and bid for grandeur, but at least it will now gain knowledge and experience from its occupation by Gondor troops. The elves I think suffered the greatest loss in the death of Doronrin. Their reaction to the visit by Aragorn and Faramir was totally understandable. It would not have been realistic had they greeted Aragorn and Faramir with open arms after one of their own was killed in the confrontation with Men. Aragorn acted wisely in the way he dealt with Wen, though this wisdom came at a cost that he would not soon forget. Thank you for sharing this story with us!

Larner · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

A satisfying and appropriate end, and am glad all were sorry for Thano. He was manipulated into such a horrid position, and didn't deserve what was done to him or what he did to himself. Aragorn's judgement is logical, thoughtful, and realistic; and I hope indeed Wen will in time find herself able to be the equal to the Elf Queen. Villains are often fun to allow to develop, and you did a good job of it. And your friend's comment certainly holds. Although in each case the battle was going VERY badly before the final help came, either from the sudden arrival of reinforcements for the defenders or Iluvatar's intervention with Gollum. And I appreciate that the Elves of Ithilien want time to heal properly. Nice detail there. Thanks for an interesting read.

perelleth · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Above All Shadows

Rounded ending! Wen's dignity was a good contrast to Thano's bouts of grandeur, and Arwen's compassion showed clearly. Liked that. I'm glad to read that you had a great time digging into Nasir's twisted plots, and you did a great job with him, of course! I doubt that I'd have the patience to deal with an outright evil fictional character, though! I spend too much energy trying to figure out real life ones... so I appreciate your efforts, for it is entertaining to read about them although a bit tiring to write them, I suppose! It was a very entertaining reading, FP, thanks for it, and I hope that it gave you some well-earned respite from RL!

elliska · 16 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

Wow! I am exhausted just reading this. It is seriously actions packed. The whole confrontation with Thano, Nasir and Ghayur was great--I loved hearing what the history was with them. I was a little surprised that Ghayur turned out to be not involved. And I definitely felt sorry for Thano--he was just a pawn, poor fellow. But no leader, that's for certain. Poor Aragorn: Alas," Ghayur said, "but that is how it must be, it appears. For my part, I have enjoyed our conference, truncated though it was. You have a keen mind, and it is an honor to confront it. I am also honored to have encountered once again the radiant Jewel of the Evening and to have laid eyes upon Gondor's Rainbow. My offer of betrothal remains open." Ghayur is a great character. I bet Aragorn snorted--lucky he didn't puke. Great chapter. :-)

perelleth · 11 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

Yay! Ghayur was superb! He's very convincingly portrayed, no matter how false his intentions are in the end, if they are indeed, he keeps a mask of aloofness and courtesy that I find most amusing and even enthralling! He's the typical likeable bad guy! Yet I felt for Thano and his final mess, all of his own making until his own end...sigh. I hope that Nasir gets what he's due... And I am ashamed to recognize that I enjoyed the gurgling detail? You promised gore, and gore we did have! LOL! The parting pleasantries among both rulers were amusing and very well done. May I say that it all has a very welcome old -movie flavour?

Linda Hoyland · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

A very exciting chapter, it seems that Ghayur is one of the good guys after all !Good for Arwen to seize her chance to help in her own rescue.Aragorn must be furious.I will miss this tale when it's over.

Linda Hoyland · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

A very exciting chapter, it seems that Ghayur is one of the good guys after all !Good for Arwen to seize her chance to help in her own rescue.Aragorn must be furious.I will miss this tale when it's over.

Larner · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

That, I suppose, is the result of my own suppositions, that you would have had the people of Umbar between Gondor and Harad as I do in my stories. So, Haytharm was son to the previous Calif of Harad, was he? And now he will be less than nothing due to his cooperation with Nasir. I am sorry for Thanos, for I believe he might have been a fine man with proper guidance. Now he is but dead meat rotting in the ground near Paros. Now, for Aragorn and Eomer to deal with those from Nurn and offer them proper guidance, unlike Nurn.

Larner · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Children Of Darkness

An interesting turn of events indeed. Both Ghayur and Aragorn have been betrayed by Nasir, then.

Larner · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 9: Sorrow Songs

I'd so hoped that Faramir would make it in time to save the Elven healer, but I see it was not to be. However, the plan, I think, is sound. That they should have been able to get out of the city with Arwen, however, I find somewhat suspicious. Now, Aragorn, you have much to do in Harad. Get to it, Man.

Larner · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death

Nasty man, this Umbari lord. I think he is about to meet his match, however. Come on, Faramir!

Larner · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 7: I'll Fly Away

Ah, Eowyn has learned much wisdom. And I look forward to her encounter with the one bringing Faron eastward. I doubt the man will be glad of it, myself. And Legolas is coming....

Larner · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 6: Carry The Word

Love the aphorisms Ghayur spouts. An interesting man indeed. And so now Eowyn is one of Thanos's treasures, is she? To be used against Faramir and Aragorn for not giving them guidance in how to live free, perhaps? Interesting indeed.

daw the minstrel · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

Thank Eru. I have to admit I felt sorry for Thano. He truly doesn't understand. I think he couldn't imagine a life different than the one he lived under for so long. The strong abused others and he had to act to keep his people from being the abused ones.

Manderly · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Pawns And Kings

Well, Ghayur saved the day after all and Thano became the sacrificial lamb. Nasir and Haytham will get their just dessert by the looks of things. The tango of words between Aragorn and Ghayur at the end was interesting and well done. Ghayur may not have been the bad guy in this round, but if I were Aragorn, I'd keep my eyes and ears alert for this guy. I think the spy trade will continue to thrive in both Gondor and Harad.

elliska · 7 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Children Of Darkness

Sorry to be so late in reviewing this chap, FP. I have been really sick. The beginning of this chapter had me really scared--since we are dealing with one the 'and daughters' that Tolkien mentioned, you can do pretty much anything you want, and that's scary. Haytham is one nasty person and poor Thano is so twisted now too. He still strikes me as sad. And Legolas's encounter with Wen was really well done. I definitely feel sorry for those people. And I think I was as relieved as Neldorín by the end of this part. But the final part with Arwen! I certainly did not expect that! I am dying to know what you will do with this next.

perelleth · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Children Of Darkness

Woa! Nice ending, FP! It's such a visual scene! I loved Ghayur stance! It almost wiped out the rest of the chapter, yet the scene with the slaves and the poor child was moving, too.

Linda Hoyland · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Children Of Darkness

What an unexpected twist ! Poor Aragorn and Arwen, you are a mistress of suspense.Eagerly awaiting more.

Manderly · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Children Of Darkness

Wow, the action explodes! And I was just getting rather frustrated at Aragorn's lack of action so far. So much for wanting to send for Arwen and Ninniach. The bad guys delivered them themselves, though probably not in the way that Aragorn would have preferred. If I have read the scene correctly, Ghayur may not be privy to all the nasty things that have gone on? Is it something that has been brewed up by Nasir and Haytham, with Thano as their convenient lackey? A nice little cliffhanger there. I hope we get an update soon!

Larner · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley

An interesting development. Wonder if Narvis ever dreamed the Nurnim would manage to take such high-born slaves?