During a journey in the dark... by Thundera Tiger
Janvpals · 15 May 2022 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
The small part where the fellowship was bantering was so sweet! I absolutely ADORED it. And the part where the hobbits jump across the chasm, and Boromir encourages Pippin so awesomely, and Boromir has such character! I'm in LOVE with that as well. Just, this is so awesome!! Thanks so so sooo much.
Janvpals · 15 May 2022 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
I'm so glad you added Bill's perspective into this!! It feels so sweet indeed to read and it feels like something Tolkien would 100% appreciate. I'm loving your work so far, and am going to check out all your works! Awesome job and thanks for bringing me joy through your story :))
Noleme · 20 May 2015 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
An amazing read! I spent several evenings on the edge of my chair until I finished reading this fic. So well-chosen in how the POVs keep changing, and so well-researched and tolkienesque (as is the rule with your fics, true). I didn't even notice the borrowed movie elements, I must admit. So thrilling, too; I don't think I've ever experienced it before that my palms would get sweaty just from reading a fanfic, but that's just what happened to me when reading the last chapter. The Bill POV was quite a welcome surprise, too. I took a peek at the reviews to see the chances of seeing any more chapters published, and it seems there's a few of them in WIP stage. I don't know about the others who faved and follow this, but I'd personally welcome even a single chapter update which, judging from the length of the already published chapters, would be sure to provide an all-evening entertainment for me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you can post some more soon. Thanks for the enjoyment and thrills I got from this fic!
Estel_Mi_Olor · 23 September 2012 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
I usually make a point of *not* reading WIPs but...after rereading While The Ring Went South, I got all excited again about the proposed trilogy idea of the Fellowship's journey and bonding time so I...lost all control (and reread this story)... It has been a while since I read these particular stories, but I still remembered your details : ) I have to praise you again for the dexterity with which you interweave Tolkien's original dialogue and your own writing. The chapters are seamless. Not only that, but the characters are also seamless. I mean that never am I caught unawares by some suspiciously Tolkien-esque words coming out of say, Frodo's mouth, when the dialogue wouldn't be in keeping with the personality and perspective of the Ringbearer, which you have embellished in your fic. Although your skill with interweaving dialogue is great, I would say your consistent characterization is even more impressive. Astoundingly well written, Thundera, but of course, I've come to expect nothing less from your amazing writing. I would also like to say how much I enjoy your method of using third-person limited POV (I think that's the right term, if memory serves). The narrator is consistently third person, but the way that you flit in and out of observing particular characters truly makes that particular moment in the story feel like it's coming from their perspective. This tactic adds flesh to the narrative and makes it 3D...if that comment makes any sense at all. Shall we say, the narrative is far from flat! I know it's been a while since you updated this story, and I sincerely hope you haven't abandoned it...so I hope to encourage an update on one of my favorite LoTR fics!
Author's reply
Spot on with the terminology. This is written from third-person limited, which is far and away my favorite perspective to write from. It means I don't have to worry about being omniscient, which is far too much work for this mere mortal! ;) Plus I like the way it helps a reader feel as though they could be inserted into the story as that particular character. As for abandoning this story, I haven't. But I'm trying to get all the chapters finished before I start posting again. That way, people won't have to wait but will be able to get it all at once. That's taking more time than anticipated, but it is something I'm steadily working on.
Bakoneko · 29 December 2011 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
Just wanted to leave a note saying I'd stopped by again! WTRWS, DAJITD, LOLAS, and FND are all still on my regular reread list. =) Still holding out hope for new chapters (every time I read the Author's Notes when you talk about your plans for Legolas and Gimli, it makes me want to read those developments even more!) but in the meantime, I love your short fics too! Thank you for sharing your talent!
Bakoneko · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
I know it's been a while, but I hope you haven't given up on updating this story! I would still really love to read the rest of it. The same goes for Fear No Darkness and Land of Light and Shadows. I'm thoroughly wrapped up in all three stories - I reread them all every few months or so, and I'd so love to see how they're going to end!
Elentarri · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
Hello! I found this story again. I love your style of writing. Can you please finish the story? Cheers T
cookiefleck · 4 January 2009 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
I read this story realizing it was an abandoned (?) WIP but thoroughly enjoyed it, anyway. Your writing is fantastic, makes it easy to picture what is going on, depicts the action and drama well, etc. I hope that you might see your way to continuing it someday. But in any event, thanks for a good read.
Kestrel · 12 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
I'd read your previous stories and loved them, and it seems like years ago. Very glad to see this sequel! Surprisingly (to me), I'm really drawn to Gandalf here (as attracted as I am usually to Legolas and all things Elven) because you've captured his "helplessness" (what a word to use, I know). More so than the book or movie, to me. He knows what is going to happen to him, but he keeps on. Speaking of "herding cats", seems like Gandalf would have an easier time herding Beruthiel's cats than getting this crew to Mt. Doom. It's not even his fight, really, and that's what makes it bittersweet to me. Please write more, this is wonderful!
Thierrys · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
What a great chapter! The bit with the 'plunk' and then the drums definitely sent chills down my spine. I'm glad you're still working on the story!
Lindelea · 10 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
p.s. Was definitely worth putting on my reading list. Do write some more, that I might put *that* on my reading list as well, will you?
Lindelea · 10 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
So glad to get back to this at last! I actually read the whole thing without interruption--believe me, a rarity around here. I love your characterisations, especially of Boromir, the quirk of humour, his wisdom and understanding. It is clear to see that he is an effective leader among Men. The personification of the darkness added a realistic, creepy feeling. The exchange of sayings was nicely done, and very plausible, for I cannot believe that they traversed Moria with only the words recorded in FOTR. The light talk of the hobbits was well done (I know you approach hobbits with caution, much as I approach elves and dwarves, I imagine, but well done for all that). You wove in JRRT's dialogue seamlessly indeed. And now my belated lunch break is over, and I must get back to the demands of the day. (Youngest, sick with sore throat and fever, is listening to an audiobook at the moment, freeing me to get some things done. Rats. Would rather just sit and read fanfic. *g*)
Dreamflower · 5 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
What a delight to come home to this!! I love the opening in Pippin's POV! You've captured quite effectively his youth, his fear, and his deliberate quenching of his Tookish curiousity, as he desperately tries *not* to know what's going on with the Big Folk. And in spite of it all, he still manages to dredge up the remains of his unquenchable cheerfulness to ask the very important question about "herding cats"! I loved it! That the more innocent sayings of hobbits were followed by the grimmer ones of Men and Elves made this even more poignant--and especially bittersweet as one sees the saying Boromir remembers. How sad that the first thing to spring to his mind was political paranoia, and yet how fitting as well... I loved the segue into Boromir's POV--and though I've read many accounts of Pippin's leap in the dark, and written a drabble about it myself, yours, I have to say is one of the most *LOGICAL* I've seen! Though it never occurred to me, once you brought it up, I'm thinking "Of *course* they'd make sure the hobbits could do it before they actually tried!" And Boromir was perfect with Pippin--all Pippin needed was to be reminded of his love for Frodo! This is why, I think, Pippin and Merry loved him so much--he took the time to understand them. Sam's POV was a good one to finish with--his premature optimism about thinking they were nearing the end of the journey reminded me of his remarks before Caradhras. I also loved the conversation about feather-beds and S.-B.s--a very hobbity conversation indeed. I really liked, as well, the way you expanded upon the well incident, which was so lightly touched on in canon! I'm really looking forward to more!
ziggy · 3 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
This has given me a wonderful excuse to go back AGAIN and read the Ring goes south and then the earlier part of this- its good for continuity! Not that i had ANY trouble remembering this story so far of course. I love the opening- misery loves company and the reference to the Sackville Bagginses- it reminds us of normality and therfore the contrast in this grim and tense atmosphere is all the more striking. And it really is tense, and fear seems to blanket everything - or perhaps amplify it is a better word- becasue the pebble is dropped in this chapeter and your take on it reminded me of the first time I read LOTR and just how absolutley breath-taking in the real sense that scene in Moria is. Just in that second paragraph, you use 'pitted wall' 'brooding silence' 'hushed debate' ' growing sense of dread' 'something darker'... and that perspective from Pippin's pov is really effective. The hobbits rely on the others as they are warriors and the fact that its Pippin who realsies they are all scared is important becasue then you REALLY have to be afraid.Later on ' the shadows seemed to have a life of their own' is a super reference to the Ring as well as the actual darkness.And the sense of SOme Thing in hte darkness ... waiting... and then the tapping...gets me every time. I am glad you put in that Legolas hears Gollum- it always got in the way reading LOTR that an elf with super hearnig seems to be unaware of Gollum but Aragorn, even though he is a SUper-Ranger type!, knows. These alternative perspective stories are so imprtnat for giving a bit more depth to the Great Work! Its the small details that had me holding my breath with Pip[pin - Merry tapping his foot out of habit, Sam's pans clanking, Pippin trying NOT to hear their conversation- very wise for a Took. I have a sneaky suspicion that Beruthiel gets a bad press from a patriarchal Gondor - again, the details are what makes this so convincing- becasue that is what happens- you engage in small talk, whatever the circumstances- its the way we are wired I think- it gives you short respite from the overwhelming sense of doom!!! There is really so much in this that was terrific writing that I would have to write pages to note all of them- but it is just so good that you are writing again... I read With Many Fond Acknowledgments to my husband and he chuckled away. I am sure other readers read your stuff over and over again too. It gets better and better.....should I read Land of L&S again soon???? I know, we nag and nag. I am quite happy with whatever you are writing- its always such a treat.
Author's reply
Holy cow, the review is almost as long as the chapter! Wow! I'm beyond thrilled! Thank you very much! I'm so glad that Pippin's POV worked for you. I struggle anytime I try to write hobbits, and I was struggling to make the atmosphere creepy and dark, so this chapter proved to be a challenge on several levels. Thank you for your feedback on all those things that had me pulling my hair out in frustration. It's very gratifying to know that something, at least, paid off! :) As for Legolas hearing Gollum...that always bothered me, too. So the easy out for me was to go with the assumption that LotR really IS written from a hobbit's perspective, and then I made the assumption that they were the only ones in the dark (ha ha) about Gollum until after Lorien. Well, with the exception of Frodo, but he's a law unto himself. Anyway, I figured that if Haldir could spot Gollum on their first night in Lothlorien, then the more experienced members of the Fellowship would certainly pick up on him back in Moria where they're already jumping at shadows. As for dusting LLS out...I'd wait a bit on that. My current plan is to finish off some other projects and then charge back into the fray. So it will be a while. I haven't abandoned it! But I want my full attention to be on that story when I pick it up again in earnest. But I thank you for your interest, and once again, HUGE thanks for such a big, comprehensive review!
Naledi · 1 October 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
I'm so glad to see an update on this! This is one of the parts in the book that really gets my heart racing and the feelings of dread and tension are really coming out in your version too. The Tolkien dialogue blends in seamlessly with your own words. I liked the explanation about Queen Beruthiel. I always used to wonder who she was .
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the review, and thank you very much for the comments on the tone. One of my goals for this story was to get it as dark and scary as I could. Or at least tense. But sometimes less is more, which means that Tolkien's brevity in these sections has me at a disadvantage. Still, I'm glad to hear that it's working out for you. Glad you liked the insert about Queen Beruthiel, too. Couldn't quite resist during that part...
erunyauve · 30 September 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
I'm not sure why I never discovered this story before, as I truly enjoyed 'While the Ring Went South'. It's my favourite part of the book, and deserves some expanding and detailing as you've done.
Author's reply
I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far, and I'll try to keep detailing and expanding!
Elentarri · 30 September 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
Hello! Nice to see an update again :-) Well written and Tolkien's bits are well integrated. Flawless. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you very much, especially the part about Tolkien's bits being well integrated. That's one of the hardest parts about writing this, so it's good to get feedback on it!
Lindelea · 29 September 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
Oh, hurrah, an update! I've no time to read, but am making a note to myself, putting this at the top of my reading list. (So the others get pushed down for a bit... ah, well, what's reading time for, if not to enjoy oneself?) Just wanted to leave a cheering note.
Author's reply
I thank you very much for the cheering note, Lindelea! I just hope that if/when you do get a chance to read it, it was worth putting on your reading list.
docmon · 28 September 2007 · Chapter 6: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 2)
Yay! Love seeing this next chapter up! Since we've talked about this enough, I thought I'd note some of my favorite lines: Moria was not as tiring or as brutal as Caradhras had been, but there was something darker to the mines. Something that made the mountain’s blizzard seem almost…friendly. I’m even beginning to remember the Old Forest as a cheery copse of trees. If it had been driven out of the mines, then there was something stronger and deadlier within. “Before men are soldiers, they are boys.” “He will probably resist sleep for the greater part of the night, and I have no desire to give him further excuse to do so.” Great job! docmon
Author's reply
Hello, Docmon! Just sent you an email complete with an attachement! :) And if this chapter really is a "great job," it's your own fault. ;)
Kat · 4 May 2007 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
I love your story. I've been stuck in the HP fandom but I'm starting to return to my first love which was LOTR. I recently reread "While the ring went south" and was delighted to see that you had started a sequel (although it has been awhile since you started it). You have such a way of words, and I look forward to reading more. Keep up the good work :)
tacita · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
please update soon, I love you're stories... you are one of the more talented writers on the web, and I do not often leave reviews, so consider yourself honoured ;)
Author's reply
I am honoured, and I do thank you. Very much. And I will update soon, but it might be a little longer. I'm trying to get life to settle down first. We'll see what happens. But be patient! An update will come, I promise!
child of the stars · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
...UPDATE!!!!!! Please, I beg of you! OMG, you keep writing these awsome stories and like, never finish them! Please if you can UPDATE! I will love you forever!
Author's reply
Mmm...forever love or real life? Touch choice! Believe it or not, though, I haven't forgotten about this story and I'm working on getting the next chapter out. It just might take a bit longer. Please be patient with me!
Mordaen · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
Hey, I love your fic! When are Legolas and Gimli going to irritate each other again? I love the bits where they argue!
Author's reply
Hey, Mordaen. I'm very glad you're enjoying the fic. There should be a bit of friction between elf and dwarf in the next chapter, but by and large, Legolas and Gimli are avoiding one another right now. Legolas is too busy dealing with Moria, and Gimli is too busy dealing with the absence of any kin. Hope you're not too disappointed!
Estel_Mi_Olor · 14 November 2004 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
Excellent work, Thundera! It is always exciting when you update and this fic is one of my favorites! As you say, it is one of the parts of the journey of the Fellowship that is commonly overlooked or ignored. I know I've said this many times, but you have a special way of bringing the characters to life. This talent is perfectly employed in this chapter, when the Fellowship enters Moria. I always knew the Hobbits were terrified in the mines; Legolas and Boromir were scared; but that Aragorn was afraid had never really hit me before. He is the type of character in which you expect not to find fear and so you are rather surprised when you do. I am not implying that you invented this fear (I think I remember enough of FOTR to know that Aragorn really was afraid) but that you wrote it well. Does that even make sense? Alright ignore my rambles. My only comment of worth is that I loved the section about Bill! That was really clever of you to answer that question! Poor Bill! I wish him good luck getting to Rivendell! Cheers, keep writing, and I can't wait for an update!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Aragorn's characterization is something I'm struggling with, so I'm very glad that you like it. But it was clear in FotR from his debates with Gandalf that Aragorn did *not* want to go to Moria. And it was fairly clear that he only consented to that choice because they really didn't have another option. His reactions, though, are up for debate. This is only my interpretation. Oh, and your rambles definitely make sense. Glad you liked the section about Bill. I enjoyed writing it, but I wasn't sure if anyone else would like it. So thank you for that!
meckinock · 12 November 2004 · Chapter 5: January 13, 3019 (Night Part 1)
What a great gapfiller. Everything fits so plausibly into canon, and adds so much to it. The hobbit POV in Moria really helped to crystallize the tension and fear and creepiness. The hobbits are cueing off the big people, and the big people are scared. Not good! And the Bill POV was delightful. Happy Birthday!
Author's reply
Thank you! I had a very enjoyable birthday, so that was fun. And I'm glad you liked Bill's section. It was something of an experiment for me, so I'm relieved it's gone over well. And I'm thrilled you liked the tension. I wasn't sure how well that came across, especially since so much of the chapter was narrative and that can get tiresome, but I'm glad you caught it. Thank you so much for the review!