Reviews (165)

Lyn · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 30: Arguments, Letters, and Mushrooms

My favorite was the Eomer and Merry mushrooming conversation. Tasty.

Imbecamiel · 20 May 2006 · Chapter 29: Orcs Again

Oh good - you haven't posted yet, so I've still got time to leave at least a brief review! LOL, it's amazing how several editing jobs, three long parties, and two filthy, hungry, scared kittens can wreak such havok with one's best intentions... YES, Halda, this is definitely a step in the right direction. You do *not* want to be included by Marvanor into her little group of faithful minions. You *do* want to kill her. *shoves knife into Halda's hands and shoves him in the direction of the door* No, crumpling her maps is NOT enough! Get out there and KILL her! Oh, poor, poor Eression! Trying so hard to be as little inconvenience to the twins as possible... And he's human, it's just not possible for him to keep up with them! Captured by orcs! This is... good... *eg* Ack, I've just absolutely got to get to sleep now, or I'll never be able to stay awake for church tomorrow... Absolutely wonderful chapter - VERY much looking forward to more! - Cami

Beriathwen · 18 May 2006 · Chapter 29: Orcs Again

Oh, no! not orcs AGAIN! Poor Elladan and Elrohir! What on earth did they do to deserve that! I was wondering when the story would get back to them. I was so confused about the enmity they held for Eression until I read Darkest Night. It all makes sooo much more sense now! Great job on the fight scene! I hope the twins make it out of this one in mostly one piece...well maybe its a little too late for that. I'm excited to see what happens with Halda. He's a very interesting character. Looking forward to the next chapter!

RS · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 29: Orcs Again

Spikes in tall grass, pits, walls that crumble on their heads, ... this lady means business! Evil Mavranor is thoroughly thinking this out! She is mad..mad I tell you! What's missing in the scene with Mavranor and Halda is the thunder in the background, lightning intermittently shining on her face when she starts to say, "Yours and mine Halda", as her voice booms and echoes through the walls. The mysterious lurking Halda passed the test. He stayed true to himself, he did not succumb to what Mavranor wants. But what does Halda want? What does he smell? Mavranor seems to think that victory is at hand. But she is at a slight disadvantage isn't she? Little does she (and Halda) know that the King and his family are still alive and that the king also has maps..maybe moreso detailed than hers. Mwahahahaha! I will stay tuned. Real scary moment for Eression and the twins. Very suspenseful. I was at the edge of my seat! When Eression heard the crack and loud scream I thought it was the hungry orc biting into or breaking Elladan's limb! I know, I know, gross! Your description of Elladan killing that orc was awesome!(I really am a peaceful person!) I love the closeness between the twins. I can feel Elrohir's panic rising while screaming for his brother. A heart-stomping chapter. RS

Lady Saruman · 14 May 2006 · Chapter 28: Only A Steward

No, I most certainly am NOT patient! *snaps* However, I'm glad you didn't kill Faramir. If you did, don't be surprised at who ended your life. JK! But all this killing...me no like it...if you kill one more good guy I suppose I'll have to invite Imbecamiel to come with me and kill you both. *grins toothily* However, as you can see, I missed out on a chapter again. Why am I always so busy? Blame the TEACHERS! They suck. I mean, listen to this and you'll agree. Okay. A debate due in three days. Two projects for science, one due on May 22nd and one on June something. A music project, due June 8th. And finally, an English project that's sure to be due soon. I have to memorize a poem and recite it to the class! Mannnn! *Pouts* And very recently, only on Friday, I've finished our state testing, called CAT 6 (California Achievement Test, 6th edition). Okay, okay, I'll stop my complaints and I'll review. Chapter 28 (EIGHT WHOPPING PAGES!) Everything's all right now. Beregond the Sleepless...hahaaa I like that. But, it seems that Faramir's attack left him impaired with his speech if he says things tonelessly. Only a steward! Boy are they wrong! *Ahem, Denethor...you were a bad father...* And yes, likewise to "Queen" Mavranor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ah, poor Duurben. He's not exactly old, is he, but old enough to not withstand being collided in his lower back. I'm surprised he didn't break a lot of bones within his body. Eldarion has a nice battle cry. "'YAHHH!'" Well I expect that's what protrudes from all little boys' mouthes. Anyways tell him that I complimented him, will you? Eldarion's a young boy, really, but he's quite alert. I love him for that. He knows that Tantur's stupid and thoughtless but he still doesn't know what the traitor did. Apparantly word never reached his ears. Until...Duurben tells him that he let down Arwen and her family. I also love Eldarion because of his special way of comforting his elders...and he's right, it certainly is good to let it out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There seems to be comfort in all three places--with Faramir, Bartho, Beregond, and Eldarion with Duurben, and now Arien and Arwen. People suffering from illness do tend to talk while sleeping...and reliving nightmares...I should know. And Arwen obviously hasn't known about the fancy Bartho and Arien have for each other. Well, she can't, since she's been unconsious most of the time. I'm glad a romance is building up (I think) and it'll better off for them two. Bartho is gruff, now is he? Oh and by the way this quote intrigues me: "Estel tells me a woman was unkind to him." Did that woman happen to be Lindamar? I love the way Arien decides to share her letter with her lady. Reading it out loud may have been more relieving...in a way. Oh, I never knew that Arien and Bartho would know Dwarvish. Arien is right--she shouldn't translate it to Arwen, since Elves aren't too friendly with Dwarves. And besides, the Dwarvish language is quite crude, nothing like the beautiful and fluid Elvish. Also: "I'm still trying to decide what I shall write back. I feel like a lass again. Here I am, grown woman, quaking in my skirts lest he turn me away. I assumed no man would ever make me feel this way. I certainly assumed any man who did would be… well… different, I suppose." Arien should certainly write back and declare whatever she feels about him. If they love each other, then one of them will have to say it first, otherwise, it'd keep going on forever, no one admitting anything. Whatever Arien's feeling--well, probably it's something assosiated with love. This was funny also, especially for someone like Arwen to think so: "I had the same dilemma. Estel was wearing a tattered, mud-spattered coat and smelled of orc, for one thing, and for another he didn't have the right ears. At least… I believe that's what was troubling Adar at the time. I was having a hard time concentrating on his objections…" Smelled of orc? Probably because he's been fighting them in his Ranger days and no bath for YEARS. Wrong ears? That's because he's human. And Arwen's partly right, though. Elrond objected partly because Estel wasn't an elf, and Elrond doesn't want his daughter to experience the bitterness of mortality. And, finally: Hurry home, Elessar. The Evenstar is waning fast… This is so true, since the Lhandlas is not completely effective, and as said before, each dawn robbed the queen of a little more life...hurry home indeed. Speaking of which, hurry home from Illinois to post a new chapter. Hersheymania!! -Lady Saruman

RS · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 28: Only A Steward

"I'm only a Steward.."??? Curse that Denethor for making Faramir feel irrelevant!! Just like Bartho, I too laugh at those words. HAHAHA! And to Queen Mavranor? A bigger HAHAHAHAHAHAH! What a lovely moment with Eldarion and Duurben. Not only does he share his parent's looks and agility.."with his elven mother's and Dunadan father's influence clear in the ease with which he balanced in that pose." (I love hearing about Aragorn's and Arwen's children and the traits that they share), he also has their compassion. That line says it all,"There were many things worth crying for, but not the least was the loss of his nephew and the relief of forgiveness." What a brutally honest and innocent conversation! The heart of a child has helped release such turmoil and grief in this strong, proud, soldier. What a beautiful image that last sentence made, "He felt an arm looped over his bowed shoulders and a hand patting him gently on the back." Fade and cut back to black. Bartho's letter has got to be the most romantic letter ever written! I had this huge smile reading between the lines. Very sweet! As far as Estel smelling of orc?--he can smell like dried up fish and it wouldn't bother me! I mean....look at him!!! (Sorry)"...and for another he didn't have the right ears.." Very funny. No new trouble, no action, not much angst in this chapter, but very insightful. WE got a chance to peak into the depths of the characters. I love it!! I know you're just prepping the reader for the upcoming chapters. This is just a rest as I have a feeling I ain't seen nothing yet! And...hurry home Elessar!!! Hope you had a grand time in Illinois!!

Imbecamiel · 7 May 2006 · Chapter 28: Only A Steward

Well, yet again you chose the perfect time for a delay in posting, as far as I’m concerned - time enough now for me to get back from vacation and review before the next chapter :-) Hope you have/had/whichever-the-case-may-be-when-you=see-this a wonderful time in Illinois! “Beregond the Sleepless”… *giggles* And Bartho proves yet again that, during war at any rate, assuming the worst is often a very good idea. //few things in life had rational, harmless answers// LOL, well, not when you’re within a hundred miles of just about any canon LOTR character, at any rate… Hey… I thought you said no one dies in this chapter! *raises eyebrow and looks pointedly at very-much-dead assassin* Hmm, still, I suppose since it *is* a Haradrim warrior, and not a hero, I can let it pass this time… *g* //"No, in all honesty. I'm only a Steward, Bartho. Hardly the proudest and strongest of men." Faramir's tone was wry. "You're only— oh, never mind." Bartho scowled blackly, muttering, "The lie's entrenched; why waste time?” // Poor Faramir! So used to thinking of himself as insignificant, so convinced that at most he’s only a very poor second-best… Only a Steward! Only the one man whose loss, next to Aragorn, would likely be most devastating to the free people of Middle Earth, especially at this moment! Only one of the most honorable, sweet, noble, kind… Only the man whose mere presence in Minas Tirith was enough to raise the spirits and bring back the courage of the soldiers under the oppression of the ringwraiths’ shadow! Only the man who was able to resist the call of the Ring, where his brother failed! Only a man who can remain friends with his brother, despite their father’s favoritism! Only a man who can balance a gentle and generous spirit with the determination and resolve of a soldier! Only a man who can win the admiration, trust, and loyalty of every soldier of Gondor - not to mention the love of Eowyn! Only a man whose injury is enough to keep every soldier in camp from sleeping, for worrying about him! Oh yes… *nods seriously* Hardly someone worth bothering over. I can see why he’d be surprised that Mavranor would even consider it worth her while to try taking him out. After all, it’s not like he’s even that great a leader, it’s not as if the army would have any trouble at finding an equally good replacement for him… *snorts* //"Here's to Lord Denethor: may he be writhing in humiliation over the worst misjudgment of his life. And here's to Queen Mavranor: likewise.”// Amen! LOL! Oh, you really threw me for a loop for a second with Duurben “being stalked”. I was thinking, “What, *more* assassination attempts?!” Glad to hear it’s Eldarion’s way of cheering himself up, not yet another traitor - I don’t think he could have taken that just yet. Oh, what awful timing, though! Just for one split second he loses his concentration, and gets buried in grief and sorrow, and at that precise moment he gets tackled. Poor guy. I just loved the conversation between Eldarion and Duurben! Oh, I couldn’t even tell you a favorite line - the whole thing’s just so… wonderful. Poor Duurben, hurting so much, and left alone by his closest friends, who might have normally been able to talk him out of blaming himself. And Eldarion, so sweet, trying to be brave despite all that’s happened, so young, but saying things and dealing with the situation for the most part in a way that's wise beyond his years… You can definitely see the influence of both his father and his mother :-) Such a great conversation, and I think in the end it comforted *both* of them. *gets warm fuzzies* Yay, we get to see Arien again! Hehe, and I just love that little glimpse into the royal family’s life. //'Naneth, I drowned. But not really.'// Ha! Just like a little boy - and such a perfect, gentle way to break the news to her… *g* A wonderful, funny break, but so bittersweet, considering the circumstances! Oh yes, Arwen’s found out about Arien and Bartho! Good, now we’ve got friends giving good counsel to *both* of them :-) Hehe, oh I love his letter to her! He‘s so sweet… He just deserves a happy ending with someone like her, after all this time! Oh… for shame, though, Bartho, such language - and to a lady! *attempts to hide silly grin under reproving look* Lovely chapter, as always - and very much looking forward to more! - Cami P.S. YES you freaked me out with the attack on Faramir! I was surprised at it myself, when I suddenly realized in the middle of the fight that I knew perfectly well that he wasn’t going to die… so why on earth was I holding my breath?! LOL, definitely a sign of a good writer, when you can get that wrapped up in the action, and forget entirely that of *course* you do actually know how it‘s going to turn out. P.P.S. Oh, it’s nearly *impossible* to find SP books at the library, isn’t it? They’ve only got a few at our library and, even worse, when they’re abridged, there’s nothing I can find in the book that tells you so! Heh, I found that out when I finally read the *full* version of Eldorado, and realized that not only had they cut out some wonderful parts, they’d taken out entire CHAPTERS - including the one where Percy actually gets captured! LOL, no wonder I always thought that part was a bit abrupt… :-P But at any rate, if you’d like to be able to read the full, unabridged versions of every SP book written, you can go to www.blakeneymanor.com. They’ve not only got all the SP books typed up online, they’ve also got some other very good ones by the Baroness. I’d definitely recommend “Beau Brocade” for one - reminds me a bit of Robin Hood, Zorro, and the SP all wrapped up in one :-) P.P.P.S. If you’ve seen the Anthony Andrews SP, you’ve seen the best movie of it I’ve been able to find - and I’ve searched the internet and watched every one I could get my hands on. If you have not seen the A&E version, count yourself lucky! Do not - I repeat, do NOT, see that movie! Ack, that is the absolutely worst version of it possible. They’ve massacred plotlines, mashing together several different books and throwing in weird things haphazardly, they’ve turned wonderful, honorable characters into disgusting, crude, womanizing jerks, many of the changes they put in were just plain stupid and impractical, Percy had NO idea of the meaning of the word “disguise”, Percy is neither funny nor smart, their idea of a brilliant rescue is "let's just run in and shoot all the guards!", and they KILLED Tony for crying out loud! And what was Percy’s response to that? “He knew the risks.”, and that’s the end of the matter. Honestly, the movie gets so crude sometimes that it’s not even worth watching for a good laugh at how little they understand the books. The only single redeeming feature I could find was that I liked the actor they chose for Andrew. Other than that… Well, I’ve seen online lists of dozens of reasons why they were totally out of keeping with both the books and historical facts, and I definitely agree. One of the worst cases of ruining a book I’ve seen. Ahem, yes, end of rant. Just don’t see it :-P LOL, it’s the most modern version, so it scared me so badly when you said you were “a big fan“ of the more recent version… *wipes forehead in relief*

Beriathwen · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 28: Only A Steward

Hope you have fun in Illinois! I recently finished Darkest Night. I loved it! I think it might be my favorite although I really liked Thorongil too! I'm glad Faramir and Beregond and Erynbenn are ok! I'm a little worried about Aragorn and Legolas though. They haven't had very many close brushes with death yet. And that's a little unusual. Although, its possible that i have been reading too many stories lately and I need to reread the current one so I don't get storie lines mixed up. As I was reading Thorongil I found myself accidently thinking of Mavranor as an "old" woman a couple of times! I love the interaction of the characters in this chapter. Eldarion is so sweet! And Arien's letter from Bartho was cute! Definitely a fun chapter!

Imbecamiel · 29 April 2006 · Chapter 27: Fatigue

Hmm… *eyes narrow suspiciously* Erynbenn’s alive… For the time being at any rate. Which I suppose means I can hold back on the “OR ELSE”… For the time being at any rate. *eg* LOL! Oh now this is just incredible… He’s lying there, nearly dead, barely conscious, and what’s he thinking? He wants to know if Faramir wants his report now! Those stubborn Rangers… *shakes head* Ha! Yeah, that’s the way to go, Bartho - guilt him into recovering! Good idea, reminding him of his wife like that… *g* Poor Erynbenn, though… Of all the things he needed to hear, the fact that nearly all of his men got killed was *not* one of them. Alright, that’s it. Mavranor has now definitely confirmed her position in the top ten MUST DIE list. *growls* Yes, Halda, regrets are good, disgust is good, feeling pity for Gondorians is good, not liking Mavranor is definitely good… NOW DO SOMEHTING ABOUT IT ALREADY! *shoves knife into Halda’s hands and pushes him toward Mavranor* LOL, oh these leader-hero-types are sooo lucky to have lieutenants to look after them. If they didn’t, they’d manage to starve, work themselves to death, and die of sleep deprivation and/or untreated wounds in the middle of a well-protected, well-stocked camp. *g* Lucky for Faramir, not only does he have a faithful lieutenant, Beregond has already more than proven that he’d rather die than let anyone harm Faramir. Hehe, though methinks from the way Beregond's been behaving, he could use a faithful second of his own... Poor Beregond! The very thing he’d intended to make sure that Faramir was safe, wound up being what gave an assassin the clue he needed to find out where he was. Talk about the ironies of life… Whew! Honestly, even though I was quite sure from the beginning that Faramir was one person you wouldn’t kill off, once that assassin actually started sneaking into camp I found myself getting so tense and scared and wrapped up in what was happening that I completely forgot that I knew he wasn’t actually going to succeed! LOL, luckily, Faramir appears to have been taking lessons from Bartho as regards expecting the worst. *applauds soldiers’ preparedness and quick reflexes* Something tells me that assassin’s actually lucky Faramir mortally wounded him - breaking the news to Mavranor would likely have earned him far worse. Ack, I really must run! Things to do, places to go, suitcases to pack … See you again next time! Wonderful chapter (especially since no one’s dead yet)! Looking forward to more! (especially if no one else dies. *pauses* On second thought, I’d make an exception for Vardnauth, Mavranor, and certain Haradrim and Corsair soldiers.) - Cami P.S. Oh, I’m glad you’re enjoying that Ivanhoe! It can be so hard to find really good versions of books like that, can’t it? Always such a surprise when you can find something even partially satisfactory :-)I am curious as to what you think of De Bracy now... Am I the only one who feels terribly sorry for him? P.P.S. Ooo, which SP books have you read? I’ve read nearly all of them now… My personal favorite would definitely have to be Eldorado - I’ve re-read that one *so* many times! And Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel has some particularly wonderful parts. LOL, conversations between Percy and Chauvelin that make me giggle just thinking about them… *g* Hmm, and which “more recent” version is it that you like? Would that be the one with Antony Andrews and Jane Seymore, or the A&E one?

RS · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 27: Fatigue

Can you stop killing the Gondorions and start killing the ones that deserve it? Seventeen out of 200 survived?!! I hope we have enough Gondorions left to defend the kingdom until Aragorn arrives. "..snakes do not have lips"...GREAT LINE! I've a feeling that Halda will be one of the downfalls (if not THE ONE) of Mavranor. I felt his disgust towards her---don't blame him. She's so vile! The attack on Faramir was really scary! Great job describing it! My heart was palpitating! I am so glad Faramir got the (excuse me) SOB! Brilliant job. Totally wonderful chapter!

RS · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 26: In Which Erynbenn Fights

I had a feeling it was a trap. Now, were the orders from Faramir or where they fake orders forged by Mavranor? Battle scenes were horrific and graphic which had me cringing. It felt like I was in the midst of it--I was actually frightened for Erynbenn and his men! I'm glad at least Erynbenn had the satisfaction of knowing that Faramir had come before he blacked out. Very good!

Raksha The Demon · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 27: Fatigue

Faramir is certainly not an easy man to kill, even when surprising him in his sleep! I loved the interaction between Faramir and Beregond; and Faramir relaxing by fixing the bridle. I hope Faramir's men manage to catch Nulla and get some information out of him before he dies.

Imbecamiel · 23 April 2006 · Chapter 26: In Which Erynbenn Fights

You. Had. Better. Not. Kill. Him. *glares* I don’t care what you say about the story being already written - IF YOU’VE KILLED HIM YOU’D BETTER GET STARTED ON SOME PRETTY QUICK RE-WRITING! He CAN’T die! I LIKE HIM! You CAN’T kill him! It-it… *thinks frantically* It would be too mean to Bartho! Think of all the poor guy’s been through already! You can’t do that to him! YOU CAN’T DO THAT TO *ME*! *scowls* And yes, I realize I’m reviewing totally out of order. And yes, I’m going to go back to the beginning and do it properly now. And yes, if he actually dies, I will kill you. Oh that does have to be quite nerve-wracking. He’s spent most of his life among Dunedain, who spent years learning how to move stealthily, and who spent most of their lives trying to be as quiet and unobtrusive as possible, and trying NOT to be noticed. Now he’s in charge of men who, while they may be very good soldiers, have never really been taught the value of silence, and are much more used to the direct approach than sneaking around and trying to take people by surprise. And it’s kinda hard not to notice an entire army. //“We have a clear, straight course, and I'd like for this to be as quiet and unobtrusive as two hundred running soldiers can be, understood?"// LOL! Well… Good luck with that, then… Gack! Ambush is not good. Especially when you’ve just brought a small force to take care of a supposedly much weaker enemy… I hope this doesn’t mean the scouts have betrayed them, too! That’s *just* what the Gondorian army could use about now - a few more traitors in positions of trust :-P Whoa! Mavranor’s been digging tunnels?! Now there’s an… unpleasant surprise… Apparently this woman has lost none of her plotting, scheming skills over the years. Not exactly what they needed to hear right about now… //"No, I always sleep like this; saves time when catastrophes intrude on my sleep. Where is Erynbenn?”// LOL! Sleeping fully armed… How very like Bartho :-) And it says something about how well Faramir knows him by now that he barely even raises an eyebrow at the discovery - and that he doesn’t even try to keep him from coming to Erynbenn’s rescue. *sighs* It’s happening again… Already, I think I’m beginning to really like Anto. At first, I was actually inclined to be quite suspicious of him, considering he was Erynbenn’s only lieutenant and the way they were ambushed by what was supposed to be a much smaller group... Hehe, but apparently the fact that Tantur’s made me start to get suspicious of everyone doesn’t keep me from instantly liking everyone anyways… *g* Ah and here we are again, at the place where I throw a fit, and panic, and worry obsessively over a character’s fate. Only I won’t. No, this time I will be quite calm and collected. This is, after all, “only” a story, with mere fictional characters, who… who… WHO YOU HAD BETTER NOT KILL! I LIKE Erynbenn, and he’d BETTER not die! You-you YOU JUST CAN’T! If you do, I’ll-I’ll… I’ll… I’ll quit reading! That’s it, I’ll quit reading! *looks smug* I’ll just go away, and quit reading, and… never find out what happened… *blinks* On second thought… You’d better not kill him OR ELSE! *smiles happily at sufficiently vague threat* Wonderful chapter (as long as Erynbenn’s not dead)! Looking forward to more (especially if Erynbenn’s not dead *g*)! -Cami P.S. Would you tell Chloe for me that I really *haven’t* forgotten her? I *am* going to finish reviewing for her! I’ve just had so many editing requests lately that, what with trying to keep up with one thing and another, my reviewing time has been extremely limited :-P But I haven’t forgotten!

Beriathwen · 20 April 2006 · Chapter 26: In Which Erynbenn Fights

I'm the worst reviewer ever! I'm rather new at this. And I didn't discover this story until there was already like 25 chapters! I will try to be more consistent reviewing from now on. You are very talented writers! I wish I could write like that! I just finished Death and Despair and I'm almost done with Thorongil (I'm not sure if I'm reading them in order...) They're great stories and I'm kinda glad I discovered them late so I don't have to wait for updates (which is absolute torture!) Oh my my goodness! Erynbenn had better not be dead! That would be dreadful! *sob* He's a wonderful character! And Bartho! I fell in love with Bartho when he first showed up! Don't know why I always fall for the tall dark silent types, but characters like Bartho get me every time (that's certainly not to say that I'm not particularly attached to a certain blonde elf and a certain ranger who shall both remain nameless...) Anyway, be nice to Bartho! (menacing growl) I look forward to the next update! And maybe with practice I'll get better with this reviewing stuff! : )

Lady Saruman · 20 April 2006 · Chapter 26: In Which Erynbenn Fights

By the way, did you know that you never answered any of our reviews for Chapter 21? And can you please tell me what site you get your elvish from? I'm rather keen on learning. -Lady Saruman

Lady Saruman · 20 April 2006 · Chapter 26: In Which Erynbenn Fights

Didja notice my prolonged absence for about four chapters or so? Or did you become so obsessed in answering the reviews of others that you forgot me completely? Okay, there was a BIG reasonable excuse for my monthly absence. School has been killing me, and due to two projects due on one day, I had to pull two all-nighters already. >_< Sooooooooooooooooo, I printed out chapters 24 and 25 at school to read. See, that proves that I love your story--that I printed some of it out--I'm planning to print out the whole story, but I think the librarian's starting to suspect something. <=( Okay, so here is my review for chapters 24, 25, and 26 all squashed in one. Enjoy, Sarah a.k.a. "melin waani nin"! =) CHAPTER 24 (Thirteen pages!!!) I loved it at the beginning how you made the loving greeting between Tirin and Tindu. Secretly it was a good thing for the former to kidnap the latter, otherwise the cartographer/historian would never have left the scriptorium AT ALL, as her brother astutely tells her. Tirin's suspicion of Vardnauth at this early stage is one of the things I would credit him for--him being the astute warrior he is. I would have thought that Tindu should have suspected something, because her young pupil is all of a sudden interested in Lady Galadriel's and Lord Celeborn's powers and how they are ruling Lothlorien. This information has given Tindu quite a shock, seeing as she refuses to accept this. But, I like how you concluded that part but using Tirin's heavy treads to describe his weariness: "Oh, agreed," he whispered, and turned and left her there. His feet, normally light enough to walk across snow without marking it, left heavy imprints in the soft ground by the river. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Around this time Galadriel looks into her mirror and discovers the ambush of her daughter. I can vividly imagine how she reacted once she saw elves fighting and dying, orcs, and her own Celebrian being attacked. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tirin's sons--Tindu was right. This lucky father was blessed with three perfect sons. They are alert, and they can guess the truth of what was going on in his mind at the time. Okay, the paragraph below is completely irrelevant to the review and the chapters that follow, but I think I'll explain it anyways so that you can see why I react as I do later. The whole "irrelevant" paragraph will be marked with astericks. ***At school, it started with my friend and I about LoTR. She decided that we should each take some character that is single to be our "husband". So, being that she thinks that Orlando Bloom is hot (and well, he is), she jacked Legolas. Then she decided to pair me up with Gimli and I accepted for a while (because she and my other friends are bloody stubborn and won't accept anyone else and so keep teasing me about Gimli, despite the fact that I keep telling them that he's given his heart to Lady Galadriel), until one day I retaliated and said that I killed the dwarf with my own ax. So, after that, I claimed Haldir as mine, naturally, and I admire him for his talents and his character. Maybe after you've read this you'll understand why I behave oddly later on. =)*** Now, on with the rest of this exceedingly long review. Rúmil seems like a mature enough elf, so I don't think Haldir could have exaggerated that badly, seeing as he said "Oh, aye, Rúmil needs such looking after." Oh and being that Haldir is MINE, I won't accept the fact that he snorts. Sorry if I seem authorative or whatever the word is, but I'm not trying to get you to change your story or anything like that, so no hard feelings =). The confrontation with Varnauth from Tirin turns out to be more--for want of a better word--dramatic than I thought it would be. Such a misfortune that the Lady of the Golden Wood came at the time that she did, otherwise Tirin wouldn't have been killed and Vardnauth without the chance to have drank the water with the powers that allow Galadriel to scry in her Mirror. It was absolutely unbearable to see Vardnauth STEAL some of the water from the mirror and drink it. Serves him right for the pain. And if he had not expected this, then what DID he expect, that meddlesome heinous fool! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! You killed Tirin! Why?! WHY?! *Sobs in agony* As Imbecamiel has said, and I agree with her, I have grown to love ALL your characters in a short period of time (Yes, even Vardnauth--he's certainly evil, but there's still something that you've put into him that makes him admirable a character all the same.) You'd better not kill Haldir too. PLEASE! Now you have sundered Tirin and his wife forever... though she may be in Valinor, Tirin is dead and therefore his soul has departed to the Halls of Mandos. Orophin has found his father--and the one who had murdered him. The youngest of the three Tirinions should realize how lukcy he was to have gone by Vardnauth unscathed. However, Orophin's discovery has revealed Vardnauth's betrayal--and that is good in one way because he can alert Lord Celeborn and everyone else so that they can be on the alert. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vardnauth has got to be the most conceited elf EVER. Well, not conceited, but I hate him so badly, but I won't go so badly as to cuss. Trying to pry inside the Lady's mind which is open is her grief? He has got to be the most DARING elf in Lothlorien, more or less, I'll give him credit for that. Luckily, Galadriel finally realizes and casts him away from her, causing him to smash into a mallorn tree--all for the better, as long as he has pain, of course. He would grow stronger and more skilled, but never more would he cross paths with Galadriel. Never. At least he realizes that, but way toooooooooo late. Any sensible, not greedy person would have realized that a long time ago. SO, now I'm going to call Vardnauth stupid because he really is, no matter how ingenius he thinks his plans are. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Poor Tindu! I mean, it's bad enough already that Vardnauth kills someone and attempts to pry the mind of another (well he already has), but emotionally wounding Tindu would probably portray the worst for her. With the fact of her pupil being an antagonist, which she can't accept until she's been given time, this whole fiasco happens and she's forced to accept it whether she likes it or not. Then, he mocks her about asking the wrong questions. Yeah, well, it's not like he's any better off with his stupidity and his answers. And I've noticed that he's really stuck up by boasting about him asking the right questions. These questions are the right ones--but only to him. By the way, what does Tinduválorien mean, and is it Quenya or Sindarin? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I understand of the grief and anger that Celeborn feels, and his hate against Vardnauth. The grief is for the condition of his daughter and of Tirin's death, and the anger and hate would be because of what the elf had done to his wife. When one is in times of grief (such as right now), council is really needed, and Celeborn cannot find one to confide in, but eventually he does, to Haldir--or, rather, vice versa. But the Lord of the Golden Wood reveals some of his feelings. As Haldir said, only time can help them now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHAPTER 25 Here Tindu's story ends, but the fact that Vardnauth escaped rather than perished is probably why Arien is in the state that she is in right now, and others who have had the misfortune to meet Vardnauth at Gondor... So, you did kill Haldir, did you? But you followed Peter Jackson's account of Haldir, not the books' account! Please, take that back! Make him live whilst other authors have killed him! PLEASE! *drops to her knees and begs, with tears filling her eyes* I want Haldir whole and alive in this story. And, according to Tolkien's reckoning about the grief of the elves, they will die of grief several years after their partner has passed away. SO that means that I will die, and you'll have one less reader and reviewer! x( Good thing that Aragorn decides to offer Tindu's atlases a home in Gondor. Otherwise, all her hard work would have been for nothing, seeing as it wouldn't be needed in Valinor. Tinduválorien--I still don't know what this means. If you would be kind enough, please translate. The jest with Legolas and Gimli--haha, a pity he doesn't learn Elvish, and consider himself lucky that Aragorn was willing to translate for him. Melin waani nin! Haaaaaha, my dear goose, that is just plain hilarious. If I may repeat, is this Quenya or Sindarin? Lovely chapter. Now, on with my final review of the currently last chapter. *Sigh* I'm getting weary now. CHAPTER 26 YOU SMASHED YOUR CAR?! OMG, ARE YOU OKAY??? Anyways, what state do you live in, and what state did you smash you car in? Sorry, this is going to be a short review, nothing like the nice long one I gave in chapter 24. Scary that Erynbenn's troops (and himself, of course) fell into the Southrons' trap. What have they got against Gondor anyways? And I wonder what their plan is...backups for Gondor seriously needed... x( Here ends my review, and I'm still the first reviewer! -Lady Saruman I now send 6 tons of Ferrero Rocher chocolate from France, and some Hersheys too, of course. But no, I'm not in France. Have you tried Ferrero Rocher? It's really good--irresistable. =) See ya next time! (When you come back, of course.) -Lady Saruman

Imbecamiel · 18 April 2006 · Chapter 25: Departing A Little Wiser

Oh yipes, I didn’t realize till just now that if I don’t review pretty quick, you’ll have updated before I get a chance… Heh, getting two editing projects at the same time can do things to your mind. Like making you forget little details like what day it is… ;-P Poor, poor Tindu! Living through all of that must have been hard enough, but retelling it to a bunch of complete strangers - however trusted - must have been terribly difficult, all the intervening years notwithstanding. Ha! Trust Gimli’s bluntness to break a somber mood… Tindu’s right - there’s definitely something to be said for “dwarvish plain speaking” :-) //"Oh, aye. He slammed a few things around, but then one of your big atlases of Arnor came off the top shelf onto his head and he sat down hard. Such accidents demand a joke, as you know, and you can't joke when you're being moody."// //"Something to the affect that it was a good thing hobbits were so small, or getting concussed by Arnor would probably hurt a lot more." //LOL! Oh, I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t believe how much more you’ve made me love these two! *huggles Rumil and Orophin* You do them SO wonderfully! He! Oh, I can just picture the inexperienced, slightly naive elf, attempting to cross-question the brigand. *giggles* Hmm, no, I don’t suppose that type would particularly welcome too many… inconvenient inquiries. *smiles happily* This looks like a good sign - even Tindu’s books get a happy ending! I can so understand her feelings, though. It would be horribly depressing, to think of your entire life’s work going to a place where most would never be interested - and those who *were* could probably as easily go straight to people who had actually lived through it themselves, if they were interested in history. And maps of places they would never visit again weren’t likely to hold many people’s interest for long, however well done they were… It would be *such* a relief to find a home for them where not only would you *know* they were going to be appreciated, but they would likely be invaluable resources to generations of people! “My dear goose”! *chokes* ROTFL! Poor Gimli… *g* It’ a wonder he’s managed to retain even a scrap of sanity yet, hanging around those two for so long… And Mavranor makes a reappearance! Hmm, Halda may not be willing to make a move yet, but it’s looking like she’s not the only one with plans… Methinks that man is going to be baaaad news for our evil lady. Just not too soon, I hope. Can’t have him spoiling *all* her fun.. *eg* Absolutely wonderful chapter, as always - and looking forward to more! -Cami P.S. Hmm… *straightens glasses and eyes Sarah suspiciously* The fact that you enjoyed my review so much wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that I spent half of it in tears, would it? Never can tell with these authoresses… I really think they’re all out to get me… Hehe. *hugs back* I’m glad my review was able to cheer you up! The last chapter went over *very* well, at least as far as I’m concerned! Except that you killed Tirin. I still haven’t forgiven you for making me like him. *glares* And yes, you should have seen it coming. :-P P.P.S. Yes, I do love the A&E Pride and Prejudice! LOL, and that is absolutely hilarious! *giggles* Where would we be without sisters? P.P.P.S. Oh! You’re an SP fan too?! *bounces* Heh, most of the people I meet have never even heard of it. It’s so much fun to find another fan! P.P.P.P.S. Ooo, you don’t mind a… slightly damaged villain? (hehe, or, as all the furniture stores we’ve been visiting are so fond of saying, “moderately distressed” *g*) That’s good… ‘cause you know, down in Arizona, I found something that I think he’d really love. *presents Vardnauth with - i.e. “throws at him” - a lovely cholla* Well, he’s a wood elf, I figure he ought to enjoy plants… *innocent smile* P.P.P.P.P.S. LOL, no, that’s not “more than I wanted to know” - it’s exactly what I wanted to know! Nef and I co-authored one story a little while ago, and I was curious about how other people handled it :-) And late nights are absolutely the best time for talking… if only at times because you get a good laugh out of ridiculous plot ideas you’d never even think of at saner times. *g* Sharing a room is wonderful, isn’t it? People are often surprised that we’re still sharing a room - even when we could have had separate ones - but really I can’t think of anything about having separate rooms that might make up for losing that time to talk. Hehe, besides, this way you’ve got someone else to blame messes on… *g*

RS · 17 April 2006 · Chapter 25: Departing A Little Wiser

Oh boy! Trouble is lurking and brewing just around the corner for our little trio. What is that sneaky Halda up to? It seems like everyone's destination is Minis Tirith. I fear that there is going to be a big climactic scene at the end of this fic (and why not?). Suspense, suspense.

Elizabeth_Elindel · 14 April 2006 · Chapter 25: Departing A Little Wiser

REALLY GOOD!!! I can't wait for more! I really liked the way you guys did Gimil's humor. It really added a light touch to the story. Have an awesome week! :D

Imbecamiel · 11 April 2006 · Chapter 24: Skeletons Escape the Closet

*sniffs* This is a wonderful chapter… Explains a lot of things… But… YOU KILLLED TIRIN! Why must you do that to me? It’s not fair! You manage to create such wonderful characters that I love them in less than one chapter, AND THEN YOU KILL THEM! *sobs* I suppose telling you he’s too cool to die wouldn’t help? *sniffles* Fine then, I’ll just… Um… go on with the review, I guess. *clears throat* Ahem, yeah… Well then, in case you hadn’t gathered it already, I absolutely love Tirin. Though how you managed to make me love him before I’d reached the tenth paragraph is beyond me. *shakes head* Let me know when your first original pieces are published, will you? I’m gonna be first in line. If you don’t conspire to kill me by cliffy before then, that is. It’s just so sad, so terribly hard to see… Tindu is so sweet and straightforward herself that she just can’t imagine anyone else being less so. It reminds me a lot of a quote from one of Baroness Orczy’s ’Scarlet Pimpernel’ books: “Blakeney was one of those men who are so absolutely loyal and straight, that they simply cannot conceive treachery in a friend.” *gulps* Oh… And all of this with Vardnauth is going on at the same time as Celebrian got captured by orcs?! Talk about heaping one trouble on top of another… Just one or the other situation is a huge emotional strain, and potentially catastrophic crisis. And they get both at the same time! Oh I do love Haldir, and Tirin, and Rumil, and Orophin together! Wah, why did you have to split them up by killing him? Isn’t it sad enough knowing Haldir dies?! *tries very hard not to burst into tears* You’ve managed to make me like Rumil, Haldir, and Orophin even more than I did before! And yes, Rumil and Orophin most certainly do have a fan base! Though... I rather suspect it's not very big, considering I know... three people who are really big fans. And one of those is me. And the other is my sister. Sad, really... *g* You have done *so* well with Galadriel! LOL, she’s one of those characters that just the *thought* of trying to write is enough to intimidate me. And you haven’t even stayed within the relatively “safe” realm of her normal behavior where you’ve got the books and what’s been done before to draw on. You’ve shown her at one of the very hardest moments of her life, and made her - and her pain - very real, without compromising the regal dignity that we see in LOTR. She is so beautiful, and you've done such an incredible job showing her vulnerability at this point! And I still can't believe you killed Tirin. If you *have* to write something like this, the least you could do is not write it QUITE so well. It’s just too sad! And Orophin’s almost childlike disbelief that his father could have actually been *defeated* like that… I think I’m going to cry. Again... Oh man. That - was - stupid. It certainly says a lot about just how arrogant Vardnauth is, that he would even think of attempting to hurt Galadriel. And when he’d just barely got his power, much less really figured out what he had or how to handle it! Galadriel was so awesome, though. I just wish she could’ve killed him! *clobbers Tirin-killing Vardnauth* //"Keep it," he hissed over her sobs as she sank to the ground. Her tears fell between her ink stained fingers and spattered the floor. "Study it. Mayhap you'll fade faster than the memories."// He is just… just… *shivers* He is CREEPY! Man… Ok, he had *got* to die. *clobbers him again* Heh... *surveys limp villain* Um, you aren't going to need him for a while, are you? Hmm... I guess my lovely visit to the dentist's put me in a rather violent mood. *Vardnauth: You don't say.* Yes, actually, I do. *smacks Vardnauth again for good measure* Wow. Poor *everyone*! Haldir's line, though... //Haldir's voice was quiet. "Aye. For with all that, what I would mete out to him would be vengeance, not justice. If he stood in front of me at this moment, I would gladly cut him into pieces for the carrion birds— Thus I cannot trust myself on such a hunt."// Oh, I just love that reaction! That is just beautiful - perfect. Wonderful, wonderful chapter, as always! Very much looking forward to more! -Cami P.S. Whoops… Sorry about the double posting of my last review. Heh, I thought I’d stopped it in time to keep it from doing that, but apparently not :-P P.P.S. I’m curious… How do you and Hannah write together? When you're writing together, are there certain parts that one or the other of you tend to do? Or is it mostly just a matter of which one of you feels like doing a part at the moment? LOL, or both? Are there some parts that you both sit down and write together, or does one of you always write it out first, and then get input and adjustments? *is very nosy and curious* *g*

Beriathwen · 8 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Hobbit Knight, Hobbit Holdwine

I am really loving this story! Your character developement is wonderful. I haven't read very many really good fan fics yet aside from Cassia and Siobhan's stories. But yours is very well written. I absolutely love the little story about Merry's family and Pippin's mischief! Keep up the good work girls!

RS · 8 April 2006 · Chapter 24: Skeletons Escape the Closet

This has got to be the saddest and the most frustrating chapter I have read thus far! I did not want Tirin to die! He's only been introduced in this chapter and I've already grown to like him! And then he dies! AARRGGHH! By that monster Vardnauth! I got emotional reading this chapter--I don't know why! I am angry and Tindu for doubting her brother and now she has to live the rest of her life knowing that the last words they had with each other was an argument about the person who killed him!!! "Mayhap you'll fade faster than the memories"?? OOHHH! That vicious, cocky SOB!! Orophin is in shock at finding his dead father that he cannot do anything but stare and let Varnauth go and here I am thinking "STOP HIM!! KILL HIM!!" Poor Galadriel! I cannot fathom what she's going through! Seeing this vision and not being able to stop it. Vardnauth was getting a little too confident to think that he was able to overpower Galadriel. There was at least satisfaction for me there. I guess I'm a little bit irritated that Haldir did not let his emotions go and that he kept them in check! His ADA died! There was no time for sorrow; he took over his Ada's position and had to be in control of everything...including his emotions! My insides were all twisted reading this. I want revenge for Tirin!..and for Arwen! I'm sure the list will grow!

Imbecamiel · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 23: The Dwarf, the Thief, and the Cure

Oh, I’m glad that you weren’t too badly hurt! When you didn’t update, I started to get a bit worried, and I’m glad to hear it was telephone tag, and not something more serious that prevented you :-) Heh, well, that is one “advantage” that villains do have over heroes - they expect everyone else to be just as treacherous as they are, and so are rarely truly surprised by betrayal. Heroes, on the other hand, have to deal with not only the practical results, but also the emotional repercussions of having someone they trusted turn against them. It’s always so interesting to see how things that, for the villains, are quite black and white (getting too attached to people is bad, friendship is usually weakness, don’t ever let anyone know what you’re really thinking, expect everyone to be as duplicitous as you are…) can become so much more complicated for the heroes. Yes, friendship can be a “weakness”, but it provides more strength than anyone might have anticipated. Yes, not trusting anyone can be safer, but the only way to truly live is to be willing to open up and risk being hurt. So very often things that appear to be their greatest weaknesses to the villains who can’t truly understand them, actually turn out to be their greatest strength, and the only thing that can pull them through when anyone else might have failed… LOL, ok, I’m through with the lame philosophical musings now :-P Moving on… //Legolas complied with the order, raising his hands, one still holding the dagger, as he backed away. "You don't want to do this."// *has sudden picture of Barbossa/Tantur replying “Oh I really think I do.”* //"You were betraying us all along," he whispered around the blade at his throat, and it was not a question.//*has sudden picture of Jack/Tantur replying “Ya.”**breaks down giggling* Sorry, sorry! It just suddenly struck me as so funny… Y’know, there are real disadvantages to loving too many fandoms at once. *g* LOL, well, a triumphant charge on the back of a white stallion Gimli’s entrance was *not*. Still, at least it served its purpose… Poor Gimli, fated to be a living diversion :-) Poor, poor Duurben, though! He had such a terrible time dealing with the fact that he’d “failed” in his duties, and Arwen had been hurt. It must be incalculably worse now, realizing that the traitor was his own nephew, and probably could never have been put in a position to do this much harm if it hadn’t been for him! ANd then knowing that he's likely either following or actually travelling with Aragorn and Legolas, and they don't have any reason to suspect him... Poor Duurben must be positively driving himself insane! Ah, and as I’d suspected - Tantur dies of his own ignorance and refusal to believe that anyone else would be less treacherous than he is. *sighs* Yet another proof that, in the end, it’s not circumstances or upbringing or society that determines how we turn out, but our own choices. He certainly had the opportunity to turn out well, to follow is uncle’s example, and instead he chose to betray everything he’d sworn to protect. Your ideas for Celeborn and Thranduil’s tree are so wonderful! That is *such* a unique idea for an antidote. And such a dramatic proof of the depth of their friendship, as well - as if they needed another one :-) Your description when they’re “wakening” the tree… so beautiful! *whispers to self, I will not squeal like a fangirl, I will not squeal like a fangirl, I will not…* Rumil and Orophin! *squees* Ahem. *attempts her best Spock impression* I mean, it is most gratifying to see such a wide range of underappreciated and infrequently depicted minor characters from LOTR in your stories. Yeah. That’s what I meant. Hehe… I love those two! And Tindu is lovely! I must admit, I did get just a bit tense at her first appearance. But really, with you two, I should have known better! Yet again, you’ve done beautifully with a female OC - and an elf, at that! And even more than that, an elf who is related to original characters - a type that tends to get particularly risky and annoying. But I love her! *applauds* And finally we get to hear more about Vardnauth! Yes! I can’t wait! Wonderful, as always - and, also as always, very very much looking forward to more! Imbecamiel P.S. *chokes at image of big, tough, bug jar-wielding orc* LOL! “Ha! Flee, Dunedain scum!” *men and orcs both stare in bewilderment* “Well… It worked once…” *orc slinks off* Hehe…

Imbecamiel · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 23: The Dwarf, the Thief, and the Cure

Oh, I’m glad to hear that you weren’t too badly hurt! When you didn’t update, I started to get a bit worried, and I’m glad to hear it was telephone tag, and not something more serious that prevented you :-) Heh, well, that is one “advantage” that villains do have over heroes - they expect everyone else to be just as treacherous as they are, and so are rarely truly surprised by betrayal. Heroes, on the other hand, have to deal with not only the practical results, but also the emotional repercussions of having someone they trusted turn against them. It’s always so interesting to see how things that, for the villains, are quite black and white (getting too attached to people is bad, friendship is usually weakness, don’t ever let anyone know what you’re really thinking, expect everyone to be as duplicitous as you are…) can become so much more complicated for the heroes. Yes, friendship can be a “weakness”, but it provides more strength than anyone might have anticipated. Yes, not trusting anyone can be safer, but the only way to truly live is to be willing to open up and risk being hurt. So very often things that appear to be their greatest weaknesses to the villains who can’t truly understand them, actually turn out to be their greatest strength, and the only thing that can pull them through when anyone else might have failed… LOL, ok, I’m through with the lame philosophical musings now :-P Moving on… //Legolas complied with the order, raising his hands, one still holding the dagger, as he backed away. "You don't want to do this."// *has sudden picture of Barbossa/Tantur replying “Oh I really think I do.”* //"You were betraying us all along," he whispered around the blade at his throat, and it was not a question.//*has sudden picture of Jack/Tantur replying “Ya.”**breaks down giggling* Sorry, sorry! It just suddenly struck me as so funny… Y’know, there are real disadvantages to loving too many fandoms at once. *g* LOL, well, a triumphant charge on the back of a white stallion Gimli’s entrance was *not*. Still, at least it served it’s purpose… Poor Gimli, fated to be a living diversion :-) Poor, poor Duurben, though! He had such a terrible time dealing with the fact that he’d “failed” in his duties, and Arwen had been hurt. It must be incalculably worse now, realizing that the traitor was his own nephew, and probably could never have been put in a position to do this much harm if it hadn’t been for him! Ah, and as I’d suspected - Tantur dies of his own ignorance and refusal to believe that anyone else would be less treacherous than he is. *sighs* Yet another proof that, in the end, it’s not circumstances or upbringing or society that determines how we turn out, but our own choices. He certainly had the opportunity to turn out well, to follow is uncle’s example, and instead he chose to betray everything he’d sworn to protect. Your ideas for Celeborn and Thranduil’s tree are so wonderful! That is *such* a unique idea for an antidote. And such a dramatic proof of the depth of their friendship, as well - as if they needed another one :-) Your description when they’re “wakening” the tree… so beautiful! *whispers to self, I will not squeal like a fangirl, I will not squeal like a fangirl, I will not…* Rumil and Orophin! *squees* Ahem. I mean, it is most gratifying to see such a wide range of underappreciated and infrequently depicted minor characters from LOTR in your stories. Yeah. That’s what I meant. Hehe… I love those two! And Tindu is lovely! I must admit, I did get just a bit tense at her first appearance. But really, with you two, I should have known better! Yet again, you’ve done beautifully with a female OC - and an elf, at that! And even more than that, an elf who is related to original characters - a type that tends to get particularly risky and annoying. But I love her! *applauds* And finally we get to hear more about Vardnauth! Yes! I can’t wait! Wonderful, as always - and, also as always, very very much looking forward to more! Imbecamiel P.S. *chokes at image of big, tough, bug jar-wielding orc* LOL! “Ha! Flee, Dunedain scum!” *men and orcs both stare in bewilderment* “Well… It worked once…” *orc slinks off* Hehe…

RS · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 23: The Dwarf, the Thief, and the Cure

Boy, do you know evil! Tantur is one evil dude! "Family are such useful tools, so trusting and so gullible.." Yikes! EEWW! What a horrible death! If I were in Legolas' place, I don't know if I would have put Tantur out of his misery! Whoops, did I say that? Talk about evil! "Where is the other? The friend closest to my heart?" What is this tree that it would call ARagorn "closest to my heart?" Did I miss something? The sight of the three elves "packing" to leave this "empty shell" that once was a beautiful place was really depressing. Lorien is no more! So Vardnauth was Tindu's student? What caused him to go to the--excuse me for using this term--"dark side"? Very intriguing!