Endaewen · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
A cliffhanger? you evil evil person LOL You've got their characters perfect to the way you write your stories.
The Three Towers by shirebound
Reviews (255)
Pearl Took · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
" “Mithril,” Gimli replied. He clenched his fists in anger. “Great stores of raw ore fill several rooms -- plunder from Moria. It had been reported among my folk for many years that Sauron coveted mithril and ordered it brought to him; however, this hoard had apparently not yet been shipped across the Plain to Barad Dûr.” " This is so neat a detail!! I never thought of that before but the Orcs most certainly would have plundered Moria of it's riches. Onward! This is most excellent :)
SurgicalSteel · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
*falls over* Have you been taking cliffhanger lessons? Lovely chapter! Poor Gimli, realizing the magnitude of the crime inflicted on his people - he must have known on some level, but to see the evidence (the plundered mithril) must have been maddening. Loved the gentle teasing keeping Frodo from getting too serious.
aprilkat · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
The way you describe them handling the entrance to the towers is just right, from the pyre to the ash and the crumpled Sentinels. I love how Frodo and Sam always try to deflect credit back onto each other. It's amusing, and I like how everyone else but them see that they had to do it TOGETHER or it wouldn't have happened. I wonder, as Frodo prepares to face his own trauma, if he has a thought to spare for Gollum, without whose presence the Ring would not have been destroyed and who truly was the most twisted and perverted by the Ring of them all.
Andrea · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
Oh, what a beautiful idea of letting Pippin give Frodo his scarf! I can imagine that very well. And I liked this bit: “You look like Captain Faramir did, when we met him,” Sam said. “Remember, sir? He was all masked and hooded.” “No one could mistake me for a Ranger, Sam,” Frodo said, his voice muffled by the scarf. He wiggled his feet. “No boots. No scruffy beard.” So far, Frodo has not lost his humour and that's due to all those who support him on this difficult journey. “Are we in Mordor?” Pippin asked. “Did we get here with Frodo... at last?” That must have been a very important moment for both Pippin and Merry. To fulfill at last what they had promised to Frodo at the beginning of their journey. If I only knew what that favor might be ;-)
harrowcat · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
“Were Mr. Frodo and me... all covered in that ash, Gandalf?” Sam asked. “You were, indeed,” Gandalf said, exchanging a look with Aragorn. “We could scarcely tell you from Frodo when you were found.” “That is untrue, Gandalf,” Aragorn said teasingly. “It was easy to tell them apart; Sam was better dressed!” “We’re not back on the subject of Frodo’s clothes again, are we?” Merry asked. “What am I going to do with all of you?” Frodo shook his head in mock exasperation. “Put up with us,” Pippin declared. “That’s what families do, after all.” I think one of the many reasons that I eagerly look forward to, read and enjoy so many of the stories on this site is the sense of family between Writers and Reviewers. I just love getting reponses to reviews and reading other peoples' too. BTW I do love PJ's films in their own right - they are the default viewing on the DVD but if I start making comparisons with the book I end up getting cross. Warning - Plot-Bunny Plea to all Authors! I would also like to hear more about Gandalf's part in the whole tale of the Ring. It struck me, after your reference to the fact that Gandalf felt/sensed the fall of the Watchers, that we know little about his adventures and task. I enjoy his interactions with the hobbits in your universe. His part in the struggle at the Amon Sul has always intrigued me.
Cuthalion · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
“He’d be wondering about lunch,” Merry said with a grin. “You’re right.” Frodo found himself smiling. Good old Merry. Yes, bless him indeed. And bless you for this chapter and this tale... exactly the right cure for my poor, blurry flu-head. And now you leave me dangling with this cliffhanger, do you, wondering what kind of favor this may be? Ah well - I'll forgive you. And - though I know I already told you earlier - i love it when you write angst. you are never in danger to overdo it because you're much too gentle to be overpowered by a certain sense of "author-sadism". Don't hide under the bed. Write on!! *hugs*
SlightlyTookish · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: The Watchers
I'm really enjoying this story. I liked the whole bit with Gimli at the beginning, it's great to see him doing his part and the mention that he has the tamest horse gave me a giggle. I loved it when Pippin gave Frodo his scarf - that is just the sort of thing I could see happening. He's just so good-hearted!
Cornix · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Cross-Roads
Hello! I collected three chapters of your story before reading any of it just to have enough to really get my teeth into, and they were a great read. This one is rather gritty for one of your stories, but I like that! I’ve always thought that Sam wasn’t helping when he told Frodo that it would be best not to speak at all about what happened in that tower. Very much in character, but... well, unhelpful. They’re playing a Gondorian version of poker?! That’s wonderful. Frodo would be good I think. Merry perhaps even better. Sam might surprise some people. Pippin... perhaps not. And I love the bit about the glint in Gimli’s eyes. So he’s going to chop that unhappy Orc into very, very small bits, right? Unappetising thought, especially considering the condition of that body two months later, but fun in its way. Just saw you've posted Chapter 4! I'll try to wait until I have three new chapters; not sure if I'll manage!
demeter d · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Indeed, "What If" the entire fellowship had been able to go to Mordor together the first time? Replaying through THAT notion could keep a lot of fan-fic writers busy for a long time. i am enjoying the mixture of movie and book touches you are putting into this story. I especially enjoyed Pippin's exercise. they do indeed have a lot in common. I have been following Larner's story"The Acceptable Sacrifice". Woven throughout that story is a premise she introduced in a previous one, "Fostering", (I think!) which proposed that Gilraen lost two baby boys besides having Aragorn, one of whom would have been his twin. She was given some kind of spiritual reassurance that they would be re-born to other mothers, and a teacher provided for them so that when they were needed to help Aragorn on his greatest life's test, they would be ready. When Bilbo came to Rivendell the first time, it was made known to her that he was to be that teacher. The other sons, of course, were Frodo and Sam. Your game, and her premise work rather well together. I have you both on my author notification list. i am "anxiously awaiting" every word you write! A note to the reviewer who thought that the movie Shelob was not quite as scary as their own mental image. I would say, of course not. We all create our own mental pictures as we read a good story, and no one else will ever be able to quite touch them. i will however say this in P.J. and Weta's creature's defense. Our neighborhood is infested with Hobo spiders. My college-student daughter,(who sleeps in a basement room) has become the spider world's worst enemy. She declared P.J.'s Shelob "a big old Hobo on steroids!' Of course, it is not your own vision, but I think they did not do too badly.
Larner · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Ah, the dear Hobbits, playing one of my favorite games--both are of an Elvish bent for their kinds; both are far more highly educated than one looking at them would guess; both have relatives who would do anything for them; both gather love and fealty wherever they go; both are much given to duty, and to seeing those they see as under their care cared for. And I see the need for water is acknowledged. It has been shown common in survivors of such situations--water and bread being the most common items kept at hand.
Linda Hoyland · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
I found it very touching the way Frodo reacted at the horrible memory of how he thought he had lost his friends,and aragorn's reaction too. I loved Pippin's game. Most enjoyable as ever.
Periantari · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
That bit with PIppin was just too precious for words. omg... i giggled outloud at the riddle "What does Frodo and Strider have in common" oh my goodness, how original and how incredibly ingenious! “Besides, most of my cousins are quite mad, Alcaren,” Merry continued. “It makes for an interesting family.” “Now wait just a minute,” Pippin spluttered, as Frodo and Sam nearly fell over with laughter. lol!!!!! i so cherish this part!!! :D <--Peri An still grinning. All I could think of was, what had happened to the rest of you? There was no way to know, only that it was likely that most of you had also been slain.” That is such a great piece for a drabble or ficlet...angsty short lovely piece at that... hehehee >=) Lovely chapter~ i really enjoyed it..especially the hobbit love and comfort at the latter half of the chapter. :D
Indigo Bunting · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
I like stories that involve the entire Fellowship, and this story has a lot of promise, Shirebound. I think you have done a good job in finding Frodo's voice. He sounds a good deal like he sounds in the books - older and more mature than the other hobbits, and now, haunted by his experiences. I do hope that Frodo finds what he is looking for, and that it does him good. I look forward to reading more!
lbilover · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
I think it is Merry's and Pippin's reactions in this chapter that got to me the most. What it must be like for them to realize the extent of Frodo's and Sam's courage and endurance as well as how greatly they suffered. I had tears in my eyes just like they did reading this.
puppypersonLOTR · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
what a great idea - to have Frodo revisit Mordor. It kind of boggles my mind; I've never really thought about the fact that Mordor didn't actually drop off the face of Middle-Earth when the Ring was destroyed. That Gimli would go chop up Snaga seems quite suited to him, and leave it to Pippin (via a clever fanfic writer) to come up with yet another way to cheer everyone up and lighten the mood!
Lily · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
I hardly find the time to read but I just cannot resist this. Bless Merry and Pippin for their cheerfulness!
Dreamflower · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Yes, these are exactly the sorts of things that are going to be going through everyone's minds as they approach. Merry's horror at what Frodo experienced is palpable--his horrified understanding of how much Frodo must have endured in that walk within the lair of Ungoliant's spawn is so realistic. I myself had never realized just how long that dark tunnel must have been. And Pippin's practicality in coming up with the little game of "what do Aragorn and Frodo have in common?" was a little stroke of Tookish brilliance. I am sure there are a great many other things that were not mentioned here. Hmm... “It’s all Gandalf’s fault,” Frodo told him, casting a mischievous glance at the wizard. Yup. You know, actually, it is. *grin*
Gandalfs apprentice · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
hi, shirebound I'm enjoying the interactions between the characters, and the blend of humor and the dark side. Good story. G.A.
Siorah · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Hi Shirebound, I am still doing a happy dance over this story. It is beginning to rival Avalanche as my favourite. Cheers! Kathleen
Pearl Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Caught up again :) So very well done, dear shirebound! :) I like what Gimli is off doing. I like Merry and Pippiin taking charge of lightening the mood. And of course . . . it is all Gandalf's fault ;) LOL Looking forward to more :)
Niphrandl · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Oh Dear. I grow more and more concerned for Frodo the closer he gets to that dreaded tower. I can also see that this 'journey' will be hard on Sam as well. I love that Pippin can still lighten the mood even if he isn't so 'innocent' as he was before the quest.
aprilkat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
I love the way you show Frodo approaching the coming trial with firmness, yet trepidation. The condition of Minas Morgul sets up a dark sense of foreboding. Then Pippin comes in with his merry (and Merry!) plan to disperse the gloom. Exactly what he would do in such situations!
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
Ooh putting distances on those dreadful stairs and tunnel make them even worse somehow. *shivers and turns on the light to look under the bed for gremlins.* I don't know about Frodo and Sam but I remember having nightmares myself when I read this part of the book for the first time. Somehow PJ's Shelob didn't quite cut it for me and each time I watch the film I want to shout 'She's behiind you' in pantomime fashion. “We’re practically related, Aragorn,” Frodo grinned with delight. Now I think that there is another Author we both like who might also agree with that statement! *g* Well done Pippin - trust a Took to lighten the mood!
Frodo Baggins · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Tower of the Sun
Oh, Shirebound! THis is going to be good! I wonder what interesting twists and turns this story will take? SO far, it's been absolutely splendid! I can't wait to keep reading. Namarie, mell min! God bless! Frodo Baggins