Reviews (255)

Frodo Baggins · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Ah! Not *another* cliff hanger! Oh, please, be merciful to Frodo and myself. Well, okay, I do enjoy all this angst, only because I know you will get him out of it with plenty of TLC....ahem, right? ;) Namarie, mellon nin! God Bless, Frodo Baggins

Andrea · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

"Frodo has an intelligent, scholar’s mind, and an unusual degree of determination." Oh, Aragorn, what a nice paraphrase for stubbornness ;-) I'm really glad, they followed him up there. Frodo has more and more difficulties in seperating memories and reality. It's really good to know that his Sam and Aragorn will be there to show him the way back. “I hope he will be all right.” “He will be.” “You sound quite certain of that.” “I am,” Tirthor said, with a confidence that he knew would never leave him. “Our King will be with him.” The King returned, indeed. And his appearance, his words and his attitude towards the guards is kingly - not like someone who stands above all the others and regards them as inferior, but like a father to his children. That's how it should be!

Pearl Took · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

A wonderful, suspense building chapter. I love this part: “Yes, Sire,” the guard replied. King Elessar knows my name, he thought dazedly. He looks to our welfare as would our captain. Lord Denethor had barely acknowledged his – or his fellows’ – existence. For the first time, he fully realized the measure and quality of their new king. Never had he dreamed that such a ruler as this could exist. Indeed!

Cuthalion · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Ooops - I've obviously forgotten to write a review for the last chapter (though I've read it as well and enjoyed it enormously). I like the way you make the men of the guard understand the special quality of their new king here: after haveing read the scene where Tirthor understands that Aragorn knows him, I sat there, laughing with delight. Did you ever see the classical movie Captain Horatio Hornblower with Gregory Peck? Hornblower saves the life of a simple sailor there, a prisoner and criminal, sentenced to serve on a royal ship, and he calls him "Mr. Quist". The reply of that completely astonished man ("He knows my name! He knows my name!") has become a kind of well-known saying in my family. Wonderfully done, dear. And poor Frodo! But - as Tirthor said - the King will be with him. *applauds*

Larner · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Ah, good, Frodo won't stay alone, and is already doing his best to divide memory from current reality--with mixed success, of course. And he is being followed by those who best will stand by him and help him through the memories by keeping him grounded in reality. As for Frodo always trying to do things alone to protect others--well, that's our Frodo, isn't it? See you are sticking to movieverse horse here with Brego. Do love him, although I also love Roheryn.

Periantari · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

awwwww Frodo~!!!! Maybe reliving horrible memories isn't the best idea to do when alone. :( Aragorn and Sam --go quick and be with Frodo to comfort him! awwww Frodo!! ::Goes herself to find Frodo and wrap him in comfort and blankets and good thoughts:: =) Evil cliffy you left us with, SB! :P ;)

Linda Hoyland · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

What a lovely Aragorn chapter! I love writing Aragorn at his most kingly myself. Poor Frodo,you made me shudder with his memories of his ordeal,maybe the most horrifying part of the book which haunted me when i first read it.Eagerly awaiting more !

SurgicalSteel · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Ooooh, another cliffhanger? Poor Frodo, having flashbacks all alone. Needs a critical incident debriefing, he does... I really like Alcaren - neat, neat character. Ready for some patented shrebound comfort now... ;)

Elanor Silmariën · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

OOOOHH, this is making me nervous!!! Why did Frodo ever go up there alone? I only hope Aragorn and the others will get to him in case something bad happens! Elanor :)

Dreamflower · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Oh no! Poor Frodo--it's just what I was afraid of. But I like Aragorn's response. He knows immediately what's going on and takes the most appropriate measures for Frodo's well being. While going up alone was unwise, it may have been what was needed. I cannot, however see Sam *or* his cousins believing that for a moment. I have a feeling Frodo may be in for a bit of concerned scolding when he's all right once more. I loved the bit with Aragorn and the guards--that is just what I would imagine that it would be like--the constant comparison to Denethor, and the old Steward coming up short every time!

harrowcat · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Oh Frodo! *Deep sigh of fear on his behalf* But then, you are in Shirebound's hand so healing will come! We are just not sure when! *g*. I wish that I had Aragorn's memory for names and faces. It does help a lot, especially in my job as well as his. I have an awful memory and it is a constant embarrassment!

puppypersonLOTR · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

nice angle on Aragorn - he's definitely a rather different caliber of leader than Denethor, and I'm sure all the soldiers were shocked, like you showed. but it's an EVIL CLIFFIE (more or less, since Frodo probably won't actually be assaulted as I'm sure Gimli was nothing less than thorough) BUT STILL!!! ah well, can't complain too long when each chapter is such high quality - but a little ranting just might give some incentive/encouragement, so I shall leave it in. :)

aprilkat · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

I so appreciate your showing Aragorn as the mighty and sensitive ruler he is - the soldier's amazement reminds us that the country had more to recover from than the war itself. Also, it gives us hope that Aragorn will be able to be there when Frodo needs him most - and having Sam along clinches that. Alcaren has become such a wonderful character, with his silent loss and his closeness to nature (how hobbitlike). *braces for next chapter* You are doing a lovely job with this idea.

SlightlyTookish · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

My favorite part of this chapter was seeing Aragorn interact with Alcaren and Tirthor. He makes his men comfortable and is so hands-on with his leadership that it's no wonder they don't hesitate to follow and support him. And I'm sure they'll go back to Minas Tirith and tell their friends how wonderful this new King is :)

Endaewen · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

You were feeling slightly evil this time, leaving us with a beautiful cliff-hanger. Love the comparison between Aragorn and Denethor.

Antane · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Glad to see another chapter, surprisingly angsty for you! :) Those memories would be strong, especially experienced alone with no one to say it wasn't real, even if Frodo was telling himself that, it would be rather overwhelming. I'm glad (and he'll be even gladder) that Sam et al are on their way. Can I hope for nice, loving hobbity reunion? That is my favorite scene in the whole book! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Lily · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

I'm very glad that "several someone's" did follow Frodo up there. But this story is certainly showing your evil nature. Lots of nasty cliffhangers. You do enjoy them, don't you ;)

Queen Galadriel · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King

Oh, botheration! Another dratted cliff-hanger! :) Oh well, at least we know Sam and Aragorn are on the way. Oh, poor Frodo! But I'm forever amazed at what strength he shows. You know, I fell in love with him at first because of an intense desire to be able to put myself into the story and help Sam protect him; I saw mostly the vulnerability that is particular to him. But there's so much strength in him that it never ceases to astonish me. Yes, I think if he didn't have such a selfless nature, and if he weren't so stubborn, he just wouldn't be our Frodo. :) God bless, Galadirel

Baggins Babe · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Oh, I don't like the idea of Frodo going up there alone. It was bad enough being surrounded by friends but to brave it on his own............ Only my knowledge that you have a fairly low 'angst threshold' keeps me from wibbling at this point! Reliving those memories must have been awful and yet necessary for Frodo. He desperately needs to fill in the gaps in his memory. I'm glad everyone else is there for him though. Just don't keep us in suspense for too long!

Lotrgirl1415 · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Oh no! *dundundun!* Holy Crap! lol What will happen to our poor little Frodo?!? *Bites nails in anticipation* lol I love this story and will be ubberly sad when it is all over! *Cries at thought* lol I'm hyper, and am leaving you a FanGirl-ish review! Sorry! Love ya! Keep up the great work! --Katie

SurgicalSteel · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Poor Frodo. But how brave of him to try to remember. What a realization for Merry about what might've happened had Sauman captured them. *shudder* I liked the detail with Alcaren. And oooo, Frodo going up to the topmost chamber himself... I know you've got a healing ending in mind, but that's bound to be a spooky experience for him.

lbilover · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

As painful as this was to read, Merry has the right of it. And I think it's a healing and important journey for all of us who love the books; we are left with so many what-ifs. Such beautiful writing, thank you.

Bodkin · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Oh dear. I'm not sure that going up there on his own is a very good idea. Even if he wanted to spare Sam, Merry and Pippin, he should have taken someone with him. I hope he is all right!

Linda Hoyland · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Poor Frodo,how brave and foolish to try to face all his fears alone. I love the way you showed all the different reactions and made me realise just what could have happened to Merry and Pippin.Your comment makes me even more eager than usual for the next chapter !

Periantari · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

oh wow what a chapter! I really enjoyed this chapter! I loved the angst and i loved how you included some Merry angst...I know, what if the Riders of Rohan didn't come as they did and Merry and Pippin do go to Isengard? And Pippin being right... lol aww Pippin! =) and this line by Alcaren was wonderful: “Frodo,” Alcaren said firmly, “when a guardsman or captain retires from service, he is perhaps no longer called by his rank; but is he not still the sum of all his experiences? Does he not still carry within him the honor and respect he has earned?” Something about these lines by Alcaren strikes a chord in me... written so very well. :) And the ending... There was so much left to remember, and sort out, but... I can’t put Sam through that again. And Merry hardly spoke a word all evening. Why should I put *anyone* through it again? I love this line... Sounds like Frodo to think of the others but i guess to remember is for it be part of the healing. oh Frodo, where are you going? oooo suspense... I love suspense. :) And i love angst... hehe awww Frodo! ::goes to explore with him:: =)