Reviews (255)

Pearl Took · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Oh dear . . . this doesn't bode well . . . and where is Pippin?

Pearl Took · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

A very deep chapter. I'm finding it hard to know what to say. Sam's comment about how changed the vew from the tower is, and Pippin asking about the palantir . . . deep.

Pearl Took · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers

i love they interplay of everyone here, and I love the subtlety of people changing the subject.

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

Oh *my!! What an amazing chapter this is. Poor Merry thinking about what could have been. Thank Goodness Pip was there to help bring him back from the edge. Those memories...I had the chills reading them. You did an excellent job writing that and making it so very believable. I never thought that perhaps Shelob might have given Frodo more venom than she normally would have and why, but it makes perfect sense!! It might also be an answer why it would never heal. Considering hobbits were smaller than humans/orcs size wise...Just a thought. Alcaren is right. I hope Frodo realizes that. Can't wait for the next chapter to see what happens next!!

Frodo Baggins · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Uh oh! That Baggins stubborness....I don't know shirebound, don't be too hard on him. :) Oh but this is so good! I am enjoying every minute of it. But, please, mell min, don't be so long in posting next time! I wouldn't be able to bear it! :) Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins

Elanor Silmariën · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Argh, those confounded cliff hangers!!! I love how the hobbits are all caring for dear Frodo and realize how hatd this is for him. And Alcaren is wonderful. He reminds me of Faramir, for some reason... I can't help but feel sorry for poor Merry, though, wondering what would have happened to them if Aragorn hadn't showed up. Makes me shudder. I am loving this story! Elanor :)

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

All of this is in keeping with the way in which I envision each acting and reacting. And that it would so affect Merry is indeed right and proper. No wonder, however, that Frodo wishes to go back up alone, although it might not be the wisest thing for his own wellbeing. Very gently and tenderly written.

Queen Galadriel · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been

Oh no, no, this is not good! I'd like very much to have a word with Frodo right now- "Please don't do this! Don't take such a step! What you haven't thought of, dear, is that you were alone the first time, until Sam found you, and being alone again, now that Gandalf has opened that door, is going to bring it all back." (And I shouldn't wonder if it works out much the same way as before-Frodo being alone until Sam comes. But maybe I shouldn't say that; maybe he'll manage to get out of there and return before morning. He is full of surprises, after all.) I keep trying to tell myself Frodo needs this, needs to remember, but even while I know that in my mind, my heart screams "Nooooo! Don't!" Oh, Shirebound, this cliff-hanger is almost unbearable! Pleeeeeease update soon!!! :) God bless, Galadriel...who is now thoroughly and irreverseably hooked!

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

He must be crazy! Of course, first and foremost Frodo cares for the well-being of his friends, but it's definitely no good idea to go up there all alone. He knows very well that he *will* be exhausted after having climbed all those stairs. And what will happen then, I wonder? Let's hope that some of his friends finds him soon enough! He realized that he never wanted to forget what had happened to any of them, nor what might have happened. It was the only way to truly appreciate what it meant to be free, and to have helped others be free. We made it back. We’re all right. “As difficult as this is for Frodo,” Merry said quietly, “I think I’m beginning to understand why he wanted to come back here.” That's my Merry. The first one to discover and understand the true reason why Frodo had to come back to the Tower of Cirith Ungol! Thank you, Shirebound :)

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

Poor Frodo, this is so hard for him. Yet, he's right, he does need to do this--it will help him not to only *imagine* what might have happened to him, but to actually *know*. Everyone's reactions were perfectly in character. Gandalf taking such tender care of Frodo as he helps him recall. Aragorn, Alcaren, the other Men--but the other hobbits' reactions were very telling. Sam is still reluctant for Frodo to remember--in spite of everything, he feels his friend is better off not knowing. Merry, whose mind is so sharp, immediately realizes the implications of what could have happened. And Pippin, his optimism still unmarred, reminding Merry that all *did* come right in the end. Yet even though it will be good for Frodo to remember, I somehow *don't* think he's being very wise at the end, attempting to do it alone and in the dark. Yet that's in character for him as well--to seek to spare the others any distress.

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

Ooh - if returning seemed like a bad idea but was necessary then going back up there by yourself is definitely a bad idea! Leaving Sam and the others behind might seem like caring but he is going to need them to ground him to reality. Please Frodo - don't be so silly.

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

Ooh! This is the best chapter yet! What an ending! :) I adored how Merry pieced together what was happening with Frodo and realized that the same would have happened to him and Pippin. And I really loved that it was Pippin who reassured him! Just wonderful :)

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

What a strong chapter! Your presentation of Frodo's reaction to his memories is so compelling and believable. Again, what strikes me here so powerfully is how Frodo's experience is affecting everyone else as well. Merry's realization about what could have happened to him and Pippin and its implications for the ultimate end of the quest was startling. I hope that Frodo is right in what he is about to do, but unfortunately there is that streak in him of trying to save everyone else at the expense of himself (as well as stubbornness). After all, what is sustaining him is the strength of the Fellowship, as before (with Alcaren for Boromir). Oh, and including Boromir in such a positive way here was so touching - and healing!

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

I knew this would happen! I knew it! Frodo is not one to make others "suffer" just because he has to. And with Merry so stricken and Sam so worried from the very beginning it just had to end this way. If only one did follow him. Surely Legolas must realise. Sam must... someone!!! *is anxious to see this continue*

Antane · 14 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

“Mr. Frodo,” Sam turned a pleading face to his master. “Can’t you do your rememberin’ out here?” Oh, poor Sam! But of course, he ain't going to go anywhere unless it's at his beloved one's side. I am enjoying this series, shirebound, and look forward to more! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Anonymous · 12 February 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers

“I should have come alone,” Frodo said, his friends’ concern bringing a smile to his lips. I have enjoyed this 'look' at post Ring-war Mordor, but I have to confess, I find it a little suspect that Frodo would put his companions through this effort. Hobbits being the type to brush off such traumas as Merry and Pippin did, I think Frodo would too - only finding out that this was an experience he really couldn't dismiss long after he had left Gondor. Just my 0.02. It's still entertaining and well written, as are all of your works.

Larner · 10 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

A most difficult and necessary decision, I think. He'd need to be certain, to learn what his mind has forgotten. And no one could help him through this better than Gandalf.

Larner · 10 February 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers

It did take the two of them, with the addition of Gollum at the end, to do all that was done. And they are indeed far more powerful than they are willing to accept, aren't they?

SurgicalSteel · 10 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

Oh, so many great things in this chapter! - You've left a sense of uncertainty about Shelob. Interesting... - Sam's determination to follow his master, even though the entry to the Tower must have been the worst for him. - Gimli's desire to get what little vengeance he could on Snaga - Alcaren feeling like part of a family - Pippin wondering about the Palantir What a wonderful treat to come home to!

Baggins Babe · 9 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

“Can’t you do your rememberin’ out here?” Oh Sam! What a typically 'Sam-like' thing to say! Gimli is absolutely wonderful in this story - so thoughtful to go in forst and remove the whip and Snaga's rotting hand. Yuk! That would not have been a nice sight for Frodo. The Fellowship seems to be growing larger, as all these Men are so keen to help Frodo. Lovely story!

Lily Baggins · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

Oh wow, you have just outdone yourself with the use of description of this horrible place... I feel I'm back there reliving it too. The blood stains, the old buckets, the rags---and Snaga's hand----eeeeeee! I never really gave much thought to how Mordor would have looked after the war, but yes, there surely had to have been loads and loads of just... *stuff*... and much work to be done. *“Can’t you do your rememberin’ out here?”* Poor Sam! This is doubly hard for him, reliving it for himself but worrying for Frodo's state even more. And oooo---I had also forgotten about the other palantir. You know, THAT would be a perfect plotbunny for your *cough* sequel to this one. ;D Enjoying greatly!

Lily Baggins · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers

Too many things I enjoyed here to list... Frodo's coughing (you would figure that, wouldn't you?), a bit of stern Aragorn, the loyalty of Frodo's friends once again, and wow---mithril stored in Mordor! It does make perfect sense that Sauron would have hoarded treasures... perfect sense. Gimli is the best here... he's really determined to set things as right for Frodo as possible. :)

Lily Baggins · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon

Oh, I loved Pippin's way to distract Frodo... what a nice bit of humor and levity amongst the seriousness of the situation. And I'm always amazed at the way you manage to fill the gaps and put things in your stories that SEEM like they should be canon---but really aren't ever mentioned in canon. I mean, I feel like I'm reading canon!!

Cuthalion · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

Marvelous. And I love the thought that Merry and Pippin finally get to see what their cousin went through to accomplish his task. And incorrigible Pippin - still interested in Palantíri, huh? “Mr. Frodo,” Sam turned a pleading face to his master. “Can’t you do your rememberin’ out here?” “I may not choose to spend much time... upstairs,” Frodo admitted, “but I must see that room again, even if just for a moment. I know this place holds dreadful memories for you, my dear Sam... but I have hardly any memories at all... yet. You needn’t come with me.” “Not come with you?” Sam cried out, aghast. “I’ll not leave you alone, sir. Not ever.” Taking Frodo’s hand, he stepped across the threshold. My brave Sam. *loves*

Bodkin · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 6: On the Threshold

I don't know if remembering this is such a good idea! I love grimly efficient Gimli. And Sam-who'll-never-leave-him. And Pippin, who is rather overly interested in palantiri.