Alisha B
· 4 February 2005
· Chapter 30: The Roads less Traveled By
A truly amazing battle scene!! I'm nearly at a loss for words! Everything flowed so well, and I was able to follow everything fairly easily. I've noticed in your other works that you write incredible battle scenes, and I have no trouble putting myself right in with it! I can't really say much more other then your writing style and skill takes my breath away. *bows low*
Author's reply
Glad you liked the battle. That was the major hold up to this fic's appearance. Well, that and I was sick. And I'm still not entirely satisfied with the battle, because it relies on a LOT of description. But it's tough to get away from that when working with this many factors. I'm still tinkering with it a bit, actually, so maybe I'll find that happy medium. Thank you for the review!
Rochwen
· 3 February 2005
· Chapter 30: The Roads less Traveled By
Miss Tiger,
Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Loved the Orophin and Haldir, loved the Thranduil, loved the Mouth of Sauron's last moments.
You've perfectly captured the spirit of Thranduil and all the elves of Mirkwood. I've never seen such a fine example.
Still very anxious about Merry and Legolas.
Keep writing,
Your Humble Servant,
Rochwen
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter! I'm glad you like the Mirkwood elves. They've always impressed me as a ruthlessly practical bunch, actually, who aren't afraid to shy away from risks or to bend the rules when need demands it. Kind of like the Rohirrim, actually, but with more practice, experience, and probably a bit more prudence, too.
daw the minstrel
· 3 February 2005
· Chapter 30: The Roads less Traveled By
So they've been found but they don't look to be in good shape. We'll see. I'm still suspicious that this is a trap. And I don't like all this "thank you for letting me teach him" stuff.
I like Thranduil's feeling that the sword is a personal weapon. I can see him preferring that. I also like the sense you give of how experienced he is.
Author's reply
Well, it's a trap, but probably not in the sense that most people define traps. It's a bit more subtle. The ease of Haldir and Orophin getting into the caves is related to the fact that Mr. Mouth was up there in the line of fire, and it was all planned. Celeborn will figure out how it relates in a bit, but until then, feel free to speculate.
Glad you liked Thranduil and his sword. I was taking a risk there, but it was one I had taken before and people seemed to be okay with it. But if Thranduil was to have a Noldor trait, I would think it'd be a fondness for the sword. I think it suits him as a weapon.
Anonymous
· 3 February 2005
· Chapter 30: The Roads less Traveled By
I can't even TELL you how excited I get about Thundera Tiger updates, especially when the update is to FND, my favorite story! Really, I don't know what can be said about the excellence and excitement of this story that hasn't already been said, other than I'm excited that Merry and Legolas have finally been rescued!!!
Merreh
Author's reply
Yay for rescues! Most were excited about that. And MANY thanks for the compliments. That's really very kind of you to say, and my ego is now floating around the attic somewhere. Good thing I had it ego-proofed or it'd be on its way to Jupiter...
fadagaski
· 3 February 2005
· Chapter 30: The Roads less Traveled By
I reread the last chapter earlier, and very glad I did too, because I knew what was going on! Cannot WAIT to find out how this sudden change in the plans will affect Celeborn's Grand Design (C).
Can I just ask, do you draw your battle plans beforehand? You're so good with compass directions, but it goes completely over my head.
Love the action sequences, also. So much detail, so you can really visualise just how Thranduil kicked the crap out of Mr Mouth.
Author's reply
Draw the battle plans? Not exactly, but I do carefully outline where everybody is and when they're there. Then I visualize them on a compass oriented field and let them go at it. It's kind of fun actually. The tricky part is getting what goes on in my head onto paper. Or the computer, in this case. I can see it, but describing it without belaboring the point is a challenge.
Lera
· 9 January 2005
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
Hey, still alive? Just kidding. I was just wondering...how did you like the EE RotK where Mouthie is very much exterminated? Cause it sort of conflicts with the story here...lol. Hope to see an update soon, however as a freshman in college now I understand an utter lack of time as well as other's intolerance of our LotR priorities.
Author's reply
Hey Lera! Yup, still alive but sick over here. Hence the delay in responding. Sorry about that! As for Mouthie showing up in EE RotK...
*sigh*
I was glad they brought him in as he's an important character, but I didn't like his appearance. RotK tell us that this guy was clearly a man. A warped, ruined man, but a man nonetheless. I wasn't getting many mannish vibes out of the Mouth in the movies. And as for Aragorn decapitating him, that was completely OOC for Aragorn. He wouldn't resort to that, especially since this guy had come as an emissary. Aragorn has more honor than that. He's not a very nice emissary, but he's still an emissary. Ah well. Anyway, glad you understand that LotR can't always take top place in my priorities!
Catoblepas
· 30 October 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
...I think I am seriously going to just keel over and DIE if you don't finish this story. The suspense...IT BURNS. I must know what happens...Please, PLEASE update soon...
I'm sure it must get irritating having people harass you repeatedly to finish your stories, but I can't stand not knowing what happens to them. But in all seriousness, I love all of your stories that I have read, and I have read most of them. Your works are probably some of the best (if not THE best) fanfiction that I have ever come across (and that's saying quite a lot, since I spend what little free time I have reading fanfiction when I should be doing homework...*mournful sigh*). Alas, alack.
Well, a final parting plea with my sanity in mind: PLEASE UPDATE!!! MY MIND CANNOT WITHSTAND ANYMORE SUSPENSE!! IT MIGHT EXPLODE!!! FOR THE SAKE OF MY UNSTABLE MENTAL HEALTH, UPDATE!! AAARRRGHLfaldfasjdl;kasdaftjasdffdgdk23owcc!!!
...Sorry. I get overenthusiastic sometimes.
Author's reply
*blinks* You know, an update from me might not solve this. We may have to look into a ward of some kind...
Beyond that, thanks so much for the review and I'm glad the suspense is still holding. I wondered if it broke around chapter 25 or so and desperately hoped that some of it still remained. So thank you for commenting on that. And actually, no, it doesn't get irritating at all to have people ask for updates. It makes me feel as though my writing might mean something, and that's a big confidence booster for me. So thank you for that, too! Hope you continue to enjoy and I'll work on getting around to that update.
Eruvyweth
· 25 October 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
You must finish this. I COMMAND YOU TO FINISH THIS!!! No update since August 31?!?!?!?!?!?!? NOOOOOOOO! I copied this whole thing onto Microsoft Word and spent every ounce of my free time for three days ravenously swallowing every word, and then I got to the ending (on something like Page 468 or something) and THE CONFLICT WASN'T RESOLVED (AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!), and now I'm anxiously checking the update box every five minutes and am basically living on the edge of my seat constantly because there's SO MUCH SUSPENSE and everything could go wrong and the drama is so excellently perfect and uncheesy and the use of language is so wonderfully precise and well-planned and the characters are so right and I'm writing a run-on sentence but I don't care because maybe a grammatically-incorrect review will catch your attention and you'll be motivated to update sooner so you don't get more weird reviews from this crazy insane redundant person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
*ducks and hides* Aaaa! Right, right, I'll get on it. Although...you'll probably hate me for saying this, but August 31 is actually not that far back for me. At one point, FND went six months without an update. I haven't repeated that since, but two months is sadly somewhat normal. I have to many WIPs going at once and I rotate between them for updates.
Glad you like the suspense, as that's become the primary driving force for this fic. I'm afraid it went wandering in the middle and became bogged down. But it's now more or less back on track, so I suppose that's a good thing. I'll try to resolve some of the conflicts for you in the next few updates, though I warn you that...there's still a little ways to go before we see a final resolution.
(And the grammatically incorrect review DID catch my attention, and it's the first time such a device has been used to prod me for an update. So congratulations on originality!)
pipinheart
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
This is great! I love all the action sceens and I so worry for merry and Legolas. They are in great pain and can't even hear thier own scream.
All the elves are trying to fight the enemy,but is it too much for them.
The two that went alone in the cave and killed off the ten orc's, I wonder what awaits them, inside,and will they be able to rescue merry and Legolas,before all is lost.
A powerful story,and one I have enjoy very much. Please update this soon,can't wait to hear what will happen next.... Keep up the great work.....
Author's reply
Many thanks for the review. And I'm glad you're enjoying ths suspense. It's certainly taken me long enough to make it suspensful. ;) Anyway, I'll try to update as soon as possible, but it's very likely that other stories will be updated first. Hope you're able to hang in there!
Nightwing
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
My apologies for coming in so late with my review. I read the chapter the instant it was posted, of course, but finding time to leave a review seem to always seems to entail a struggle on my part.
I just loved your opening paragraph, it made me burst out laughing. Ah well, so much for the beautiful sunrise. I also enjoyed the following paragraph that launches us right into Elrohir in the midst of battle. I assumed we were in his POV, and I found it a surprise that we actually were in Aragorn's, and he was crouched behind a tree and watching his brother fight. I liked that little twist. Good fight too, displaying the strong emotions of both fighter and witness as well as the physical movements of the combatants. It was a pleasure to watch Elrohir... such passion!
I also enjoy the interplay between the Lorien brothers. Not always agreeing (or is that never agreeing?), but together nonetheless. Your descriptions of them in the trees served to satisfy my perpetual need for nice elf descriptions to keep the lust flames fanned. Anytime the breezes stir the hair of an elf warrior, I sigh and am contented.
The Legolas/Merry POV was most disturbing. Poor things, they are truly lost in the depths of madness. I am certain that their bodies will be rescued and carried from their captors to Imladris, but their minds will not be so easily liberated. Their imprisonment will continue as is, they will know nothing of their rescue. And... they have received "instructions" as well. Dear, dear...
"The real battle is yet to come". Yes, on all fronts. I'm worried about Elrohir. An arrow deep in his side is not good. Liver, spleen, intestines... and orc arrows tend to be nasty poisoned things just to add to the fun. I'm worried about Haldir's deep sense of foreboding and peril, I'm worried about the captives, and where on Middle-earth did those two Hobbits sneak off to... oh, hell, I'm worried about everyone.
I'll depart after complimenting you on your prose. You have so much going on, gobs of detail which in another writer I might find fatiguing. But your prose is so bright and crisp and unmuddied I did not at any time feel bogged down. Some of it could have been shortened or deleted to tighten things up and make it a bit more economical, but I mean it as a true compliment of your writing ability that you made it all work and remain clear even with such detail.
Nightwing
Author's reply
Oh, please! Don't even think about apologizing for a late review seeing as I haven't given *you* a review in a long time. And you definitely need one. I'm going to try to get that done by tomorrow night, but no promises!
I wondered if anyone was going to pick up on the Aragorn POV twist. You're the only one who's commented on it so far. Ah well. It was fun for me. Kind of a strange challenge to see if I could start out a chapter looking through Aragorn's eyes but describing Elrohir. But of course I couldn't describe anything that Aragorn couldn't see, because I wanted the POV to be consistent. Yeah, like I said, fun for me. Strange, but fun.
French Pony made much the same comment about eliminating some of the prose, and there have been others who've said the same. I'll definitely work on that. Of those who are willing to say it (and I thank you all for coming forward, I really do!!!) that seems to be the concensus. So I'll start cutting down on the descriptions aside from what is absolutely essential. This could be a REAL challenge, as I just love to yammer. ;)
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
In my opinion, this was the best chapter I have ever read of any fic. Did you count the number of cliffhangers? The gripping-the-edge-of-the-seat-who-is-she-going-to-kill moments. I will inform you that I had several mild heart attacks over the course of reading this chapter.
The first occurred when Elrohir-ELROHIR!-was apparently killed, but not. I had this heart stopping moment, thinking to myself, "now wait, she wouldn't actually kill Elrohir, would she?" Thank you for not doing so. Well, in retrospect canon characters are rather difficult to kill. But the Elrohir's charge was described with such great detail! I could feel the battle in my mind as if I was Elrohir's shadow. It was not a very pleasant thought. Sometimes battles can get very boring with the hack, parry, slash pattern, but yours was fanstastic. Great job!
I was also worried for Orophin and Haldir. They are so brave! But really what a plus that they were there. You can't beat the Marchwardens, especially a Marchwarden who has apparently overcome instinctual hate for the Orc, by learning enough of its language to understand battle plans. ;) Three cheers for Haldir!
Your description of silence and not being able to hear a scream was chilling. You would never normally think of those things, would you? I assumed it was Legolas's POV that we were getting, but on second thoughts a third person could have easily described both Legolas and Merry, since they were suffering the same fate. I hope the rescue party saves them soon, before it's too late!
Ooh the Celeborn Contingent. If Celeborn was not the head of that group I would be very, very worried about their chances of success and survival. Not that I believe Gimli, or Elladan, or all those Elves are incomptent, but it's nice to know you have someone so trustworthy in charge. If Celeborn said he was going to storm Minas Morgul with three hobbits and a wooden sword, I would believe him. Back to the point: You have created such great suspense in this fic, especially revolving around the Celeborn Contingent, who, I assume, will soon meet the Helpful Hobbits and Mad Marchwardens. (Sorry, but I really like alliteration).
To conclude: This fic is one of your best, and the chapter is your best. The tension, suspsense and action rolled into it are described so well, and fit together excellently. I especially love how you explore different POV. (I know I say that practically every time I review...). Cheers again, and I can't wait for an update. (Gosh, I've never written such a long review before...so let's have a PS).
PS-Sorry if I seem unnecessarily picky, but there are two very small typos in the beginning of the chapter. 1) "For its efforts, it was promptly reflected back into the sky by an arcing fountain of red" I think you meant arching fountain in this sentence. (2nd Paragraph) 2)"With those wounded still able to travel protected in the middle of their defensive circle, Elrohir’s group broke out into what was almost a job." There I think you meant jog. (26 Paragraph). More apologies if this annoys you, but I notice things... :) Keep writing!
Author's reply
*blushes madly* Many thanks! Good grief, with praise like that I won't be able to get my ego back down until next month! But seriously, thank you! I was having a rather depressing day and then I found your review. It did wonders!
Anyway, in response to the review itself, I only counted *one* cliffhanger, and that was Elrohir. Orophin and Haldir are fine. Celeborn, Elladan, Gimli, and Calbenarth are fine. We haven't heard from Sam and Pippin, but last we did, they were fine. And as I told Layangabi, Merry and Legolas are in perpetual free-fall, so that doesn't count as a cliff. ;) So one. One cliff.
I'm VERY relieved you liked the battle. Personally, I now think I spent too much time on it, but be that as it may, I'm glad you enjoyed it. There's only so many ways you can describe slash, hack, and parry. And then all action cuts out when we switch over to Haldir and Orophin, which can be really jarring. Ah well. Something for the revisions, I suppose.
You've given me a great image of Celeborn taking on the Witch-king with three hobbits and a toy sword. It's accompanied by a bunch of people in the background doing their best impressions of a landed fish. Hilarious, actually, so I thank you very much for such a great mental image.
On to your corrections, the first thing you spotted was actually intended. I *did* mean to say "arcing." A rather archaic use of the term, I suppose, and probably a tad too precise for the circumstances, but I like it. I'm old fashioned. ;) Good job on the second catch, though. I'll fix it on the next update. Thanks again!
Layangabi
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
See....Thundera, this is why everyone wants updates. Cliffhangers. It's your cliffhangers. It's your own fault. You make everyone want to find out what happens next. ;)
I'd agree that things aren't as moving as fast, but hell. I love the details, the descriptions, and there's time and oppurtunity aplenty for things to pick up. They're *almost* there! :D Into the hellmouth you go, folks. Show ol' Teddy the ol' what for)
And Ohhh, Elorhir. Methinks it's not only the line of Oropher which has the infamous, ill-starred reckless fury in battle. There's a common ancestor in there somewhere. Thranduil and the other avengers are going to be a bit more careful, mehopes and thinks, there's way too much at stake.
BTW, sorry I haven't emailed you yet. :( It's hell month, and yeah, things are more than hectic, they are rushing towards the famed lemming-cliff. *0* Adios, friend. May I see on the other side of the shore...
Author's reply
**scratches head** But there's only *one* cliffhanger right now, and that's Elrohir. Unless you count Legolas and Merry, but they seem to be in a state of perpetual free-fall, not hanging from a cliff. Ah well. Anyway, I'm relieved that people are enjoying the details enough to overlook the pacing, but I'd like to think there's a way to find a balance between the two. Can't we get to the hellmouth on time and still have such great details such as Spike denying Buffy's assertion that she loves him? Err...sorry. You got me off on the wrong fandom. ;)
Anyway, Elrohir is just channeling his inner enraged-Noldor-prince. I don't know about a common ancestor with Oropher, but Elrohir *is* descended from Fingolfin. That alone should say a lot, especially considering how Fingolfin finally died.
Good luck with everything that's keeping you busy, and don't waste time apologizing about emailing! I completely understand. Let me know if there's anything I can help out with!
Umm, if this story takes place after the Fellowship and everything else that happens then it is unacuurate! (Sniff Sniff) According to TTT, Haldir Died in Helms Deep in Rohan!
Author's reply
Yeah, like I said on the review for Chapter 6, that only happened in the movies. I'm not a movie author, although I did enjoy them. But my first love was for the books, and in the books, there was only one elf at Helm's Deep, and that was Legolas. The elves of Lothlorien were preparing for an attack from Dol Guldur and would have never been able to spare forces to send to Rohan, even had they known what was going on. So they never showed up and were never expected to show up.
I think the movie threw the bit about elves at Helm's Deep in to tell us that the elves weren't just loafing around, which is understandable. In the medium of cinema, it would be difficult to include the fact that both Thranduil in Mirkwood and Celeborn in Lothlorien were repelling the forces of Dol Guldur while Sauron was assaulting Gondor in the south. So instead of including Dol Guldur, they brought Lothlorien's elves to Helm's Deep. That doesn't happen in the books, though, which are far more complex. In the books, Haldir stayed as a Marchwarden in Lothlorien with his two brothers and they helped defend their own realm. So that's why he's in these stories, because I write according to the books. Not the movie. Hope that clears it up!
Elven_lady14
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Diversions
Haldir wa(sniff sniff) Killed at helms Deep in Rohan According to the Two Towers
Author's reply
Only in the movies. My writing is very strictly based on book verse, and in the books, Haldir never even showed up at Helm's Deep. He stayed in Lothlorien to defend the Galahdrim against Dol Guldur.
mer
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
Once in a while I come forth to review...I really should do this more often, I apologize...
I want to say that I really love this story. I like how you give these events more depth by the dialogue, observations of, and expanded inspection into the characters. Definitely gives it more meaning/feeling.
I know you write in cycles (4 stories I think are now in progress). I love them all! I also saw somewhere that you are going to post a short story--is that going to happen soon? What will the timeline be?
Thank you for sharing your talent!!!
Author's reply
No, don't apologize for not reviewing. As an incorrigible lurker myself, believe me when I say I understand. You're fine. I'm elated that you've shown up to review at all, and for that I sincerely thank you!
And thank you again for your comments. I have a tendency to overdo the dialogue and observations, but I'm glad you're enjoying it. Makes me feel as though it hasn't been a total waste. ;) And I do enjoy getting inside my characters' heads, so I'm happy when anybody else enjoys the ride, too.
As for the next update, there's an impromptu short story coming out in a couple of hours. Fairly inane with no real purpose, but I had fun writing it. Beyond that, I really can't tell you the timeline. My writing urges come and go, and I'm more or less a slave to them. Hopefully there will be an update within a week to ten days, but I can't promise anything.
Thank you again!
French Pony
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
With casual ease, morning’s first light cleared the Misty Mountain’s towering peaks, ambled down slopes of melting snow, and drifted out into the forests and hills surrounding Rivendell. It touched upon spring flowers and furled leaves, bestowing warmth and life as it moved through the trees and chased away the shadows of night. At length it fell upon a clearing and descended gently, intending to banish the darkness that flowed over the ground like a plague upon the earth.
For its efforts, it was promptly reflected back into the sky by an arcing fountain of red.
This opening was very Douglas-Adams-like. It made me happy.
As for the rest of the chapter (what a terrible sense of proportion I have. . . ), I liked your focus on the senses. What people are seeing, what they are hearing, what they are ESP-ing, it all makes for a lovely detailed picture of a very large and complex battle. And everyone is bringing along a different set of assumptions and background information. Haldir and Orophin have Rúmil's death weighing on them, Aragorn has his knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of Elrohir's battle personality, and Calbenarth has his long and detailed memory of times when currently allied species were not allied. It all adds layers upon layers to what is essentially an extended action sequence and raises the stakes even higher than they would normally be.
The only problem that I see with this is that, over the last few chapters, you've started to get a little bogged down in all this detail. Each chapter contains reams of your wonderfully vivid prose, yet the story doesn't seem to have advanced a whole lot, and it's starting to lose some focus. Much as I love reading all the little details about what the characters are sensing and what they are thinking and why they are thinking it and what events in their pasts made it possible for them to think this way, I think that this kind of a battle sequence isn't really the place for all that. It's making things a little slow.
But still, if it's going to be slow, detailed going, it's fascinating to read about these characters all the same, so it's not as if reading this chapter was a terrible tragedy or anything. I had a good time. Just . . . a slow one.
Author's reply
I love it when you review. You put everything into perspective. THANK YOU!!! Details, details, details. Right. So we're dispensing with the details. I can do that. I think... I can certainly work on that... *makes giant note-to-self* So we're talking characte background, character thoughts (and probably motivations as well), and general input. Well, I can definitely cut back on the character background portions. That's the easiest of the three. And thought and input should be way back anyway because this is a battle and there's no time for such things. Theoretically, that should be easy, too. Oh, you really should have seen the first draft of this chapter. Actually, you shouldn't have. But the thing was so bogged down with character background that it was ludicrous. Calbenarth's section was twice as long as it is now for that very reason. Seems I still have work to do. Ah well. MANY thanks for focusing in on something that seemed to escape me.
As for the opening lines, I actually wasn't thinking of Douglas Adams, but I've read him enough times that I'm not surprised. Between him and Terry Pratchett, I'm surprised there aren't more passages like that.
Rochwen
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 28: When Wiser Eyes Turn Elsewhere
Odd how the smallest and least important sentences can most attract your attention.
"The woods filled with shouts as other elves began their charge. Surprise flashed across the faces of the Orcs, but surprise quickly gave way to rage. Upon seeing their mortal enemy, the foul creatures increased their pace, and in turn, Elrohir increased his."
(second to last paragraph)
Mortal enemy: a deadly enemy(n); or a person you wish slain(n)
Immortal enemy: oxymoron
moron: your's truly
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
My God, the tension is palpable in this chapter! Waiting with the fighters for the right moment to move was agonising. But Elrohir! What have you DONE to him??? I know you said neither he or Elladan would die, but he doesn't look too good at the moment. I had to force myself not to scroll down to the bottom of that section to see what happened to him - I knew something would.
Please don't leave him there too long!
Jay
Author's reply
Me? I didn't do anything to Elrohir! Did you see me shooting arrows? No! I'd like to finger the Orcs in this case, and I'd also like to point out that the evidence against them is overwhelming. Literally. ;) Well, I did promise that Elladan and Elrohir wouldn't die, and they won't. Don't worry about that. But as for getting out of this unscathed...well, that's another story.
fadagaski
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
*tries to suppress shivers* My God. That was amazing. The action, particularly in the first bit, was just non-stop strike after strike. I could really visualise it, which is great!
Orophin and Haldir make me nervous. I get the distinct feeling they're going to do something that will jeapordise a lot.
Is it bad that I really want Aragorn to face down the Mouth of Sauron? I mean, I really really do. He'd probably lose, because the Mouth has powers beyond the blood of Numenor, but still. It would be very cool.
Do we get to see Pippin next time? I've utterly forgotten where he is. And hooray for Gimli shocking the elf!
A bit of a bitty review, but still a great chapter! So very glad you've updated.
Author's reply
Good grief, why in the world is everyone worried about Haldir and Orophin? They're fairly responsible, semi-coherent, only partially grief-stricken elves. What could possibly go wrong? ;) Seriously, though, I wouldn't get *too* worried about them. After all, the attention is on the other side of the caves right now.
Aragorn and the Mouth of Sauron will get to meet again, and this meeting will be a bit more exciting than their meeting before the Morannon. I'm not going to say any more than that, though.
Right now, Pippin is not in the next chapter. That might change as the chapter moves from outline form to rough draft, but for the moment, he's not in it. As for where he is...that's a really good question. He and Sam have more or less disappeared, haven't they? ;)
periantari
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
wow what a cliff-hanger... the MoS comes himself amidst the battle? now that scene is one that i look forward with indeed!
i wish you had done more with Legolas and Merry... but i guess there's a limited amount that could be said with their broken state of minds,eh? :p
Are Sam and Pippin going to make an appearance the next chapter?
but very good.. i was on the edge of my seat in the whole chapter!
keep up the good work!
Author's reply
In my defense, I only promised that Legolas and Merry would appear in the chapter. I never said how much or how often. Probably slimey and cruel of me, but oh well. *cue evil laugh*
Sam and Pippin will probably *not* be in the next chapter. The outline calls for them to make an appearance, but I've been rethinking the timing of events and now I'm not sure anymore. At the moment, they're not in it. But that could change, so don't count it out yet.
Elena Tiriel
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 29: The Breaking of Dawn
Thank you for not updating too often.
Why?
Because every time you update this story, I GET ANXIOUS NIGHTMARES!
*grumble*
- Barbara ;-D
Author's reply
*blinks* Ah. Well, then...I'll try to keep up the slow updates. ;) Like that could possibly be a problem. Sorry about the nightmares. Okay, that's not true. I'm rather elated that this story can induce nightmares. But I'll say sorry anyway! Does that get me brownie points?
pipinheart
· 13 June 2004
· Chapter 28: When Wiser Eyes Turn Elsewhere
Really love this story,real nice.... I hope merry and Legolas are saved from the darkness in thier mind.
Please update soon!!!
Author's reply
Thank you for your comments, and I'll try to get updates out as soon as I can.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 28: When Wiser Eyes Turn Elsewhere
Elbereth Gilthoniel! That was fantastic! You cannot imagine how happy I was to see your update! And what an update! Here we go: Celeborn had mad a mistake, if that is indeed possible. You do not leave hobbits behind knowing that they are nuisances. Tawar is going to have a heart attack. But honestly, Sam! The entire plan could have gone awry if the hobbits had been spotted before Elrohir attacked! I just hope Celeborn doesn't kill anyone. I liked your description of the fact that he is more formidable angry than Thranduil or Orophor. Somehow you would expect that of him. Don't ask me.
As to Elrohir's attack, spectacular! He obviously enjoyed that. I don't know if you have read any of Daw the Minstrel's stuff, but Elrohir's position and enjoyment of the attack reminded me of Eilian. He is one that would surely relish commencing a lone attack on a party of orcs. The orc's confusion at the beginning was very comical. I can just imagine the stupid look on their faces as they absorb the challenge. If I was an Elf I would have laughed, and I bet if the situation was not so grim, many would have.
Now Haldir and Orophin worry me. They are going to do something wrong and mess up the Plan. They are Marchwardens though, so we must credit them with some measure of intelligence... (And yes I know! I am quoting you to yourself...but ever since I read that rebuttal in Land of Light and Shadows, I have been using it everywhere. It's just so funny.) But I guess the brothers must go to account for the unexpected interference by Pippin and Sam. Someone has to protect them, and Celeborn will have a heart attack if he ever sees them in the caves. He will, or he'll probably learn of it later. But something tells me that the hobbits have a part to play, yet and perhaps it will prove to be crucial. We will wait and see...
Thanks again for this update and I look forward to more great work from you! Keep writing!
Author's reply
Give it up for Celeborn, even if he has underestimated the hobbits a bit. I think Gimli, had he given it much thought, could have warned against it. But he's too anxious to get this whole thing underway. Ah well. It might work out for the best. Then again, it might not... They do have a part to play, as do Haldir and Orophin. Who seem to have everyone worried. I'd be more concerned about the hobbits, thinking that Marchwardens could take care of themselves. We'll see what happens.
Marnie
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 28: When Wiser Eyes Turn Elsewhere
Oh Hurray! A new chapter! Fantastic :) It's been a long time, but I know how it is, and this was worth waiting for. I love your Celeborn, as I think I've said before, but I loved him even more in this chapter - he has good and sufficient reasons for everything he's doing, but no one can accuse him of being overly polite. I really liked the comparison with Thranduil and Oropher - it's a Sindarin thing ;)
I really like the fact that the battle plan sounds like it's been well thought out and carefully executed - after millenia of fighting against a force far stronger than they are, the elves must have learned to rely on doing things right. But on the other hand, I liked Elrohir's fey 'if Fingolfin can do it, so can I' decision to take on the whole fortress by himself.
And I like too the elements of uncertainty that are in there, introduced by the two forces who are acting on their own - Haldir and Orophin, and Sam + Pippin. Oddly, it's Haldir + Orophin I worry about most. I know that Sam + Pippin can keep their heads in a tight spot, but Orophin seems like a bit of a loose cannon.
Can't wait to see how it goes! More please :)
Author's reply
See, I always thought that Elrond sending the Fellowship off with members being what they were was Elrond channeling his inner-Fingolfin, so I figured that his son could do it, too. Made sense to me, anyway. As for Celeborn, he's been pleading with me to let him cut loose, so I'm doing it by degrees. He'll have an opportunity to get down and dirty with the best of them. Ah yes, it's definitely a Sindarin thing! ;) How can you not love them?
Periantari
· 1 June 2004
· Chapter 28: When Wiser Eyes Turn Elsewhere
ahhhh~!!!! YESSSSSSSS~!!!! THE BATTLE HAS BEGUN!!!
i literally was jumping when i saw in my email that this story has been updated :D so very much appreciated :D:D
i loooove your scheming wise Sam..i can't wait to see what happens to him and Pippin when they also enter the cave :-0 I'm glad that the hobbits also are trying to venture in and be part of the rescue mission and i'm glad that at first they were forbidden... but i do not know how wise it would be for them to go to... (since from the beginning MoS has wanted their heads as well :p )
Very cool characterization of Celeborn, Orophin and Haldir.
And i really like Elrohir, Elladan, and Thranduil as well throughout the story.
and very detailed and good description of how everyone was positioned in battle.
Thanks sooo much for updating =) you just made my day! :D
As always, I am anticipating the next chapter very very very very much. :D
Author's reply
I'm rather fond of scheming Sam. He's got a lot more going on in his head than most people would give him credit for. He might not be the sharpest nail in the box, but he knows it and that helps quite a bit. He knows his weaknesses and he's willing to work around them. Also, I'm glad you like all the detail about the battle. It probably wasn't strictly necessary, but I'm a stickler for things like that. It seems important to me, so I have to put it in and then I fight to keep it in. I'm rather obsessive that way.
Anyway, you are very welcome for updating, and I thank you very much for the review. I'll try to have more chapters out soon!