daw the minstrel
· 15 October 2004
· Chapter 10: Discretion and Deception
It's probably wicked of me, but I laughed at Legolas's panic in the tunnels. "He did not remember this crossroads. He did not remember it at all." That made me howl. He may be going too far in using Elessar's guards, although that's amusing too.
The twins seem to have their hands full with Eldarion.
Author's reply
I don't think it's wicked at all, because I laughed at it, too, while writing it. Poor elf. He can't seem to get any sympathy. To be fair, though, it was his fault for wandering off in the first place, and he'll admit that to himself, if not to anyone else. As for using the guards to further his own ends, well, it's actually mild to what will eventually get him kicked out of Minas Tirith (though that event really has no connection to the twins). And now it's only one twin who has his hands full with Eldarion, so I guess we'll have to see how well Elladan handles that.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 15 October 2004
· Chapter 10: Discretion and Deception
BTW, is this set after 'Fear No Darkness'? Do all your stories follow on from each other? If so, I take it that Elrohir survived the orc battle.
Jay
Jay of Lasgalen
· 15 October 2004
· Chapter 10: Discretion and Deception
As always with your stories, this is getting more and more complicated! Poor Eomer is (unintentionally) causing all sorts of problems; and Legolas and the twins are intentionally causing problems! What was in the wrap Elladan gave his brother? I assume they're intending to drug poor Elfwine to get rid of him.
I love Legolas's plan to set the twins up as potential assassins!
Jay
Author's reply
The assassin plot is a bit of a stretch, I realize, but I've already stretched the characters several different ways and I figured one more stretch wouldn't be TOO bad. I enjoy what happens because of it, at least. As for what Elladan gave Elrohir...well, you should find out what's in it in two chapters, because that's when we'll meet up with Elrohir and Elfwine again. Elladan *might* say something about it next chapter, but he's going to be having his hands full with other things, so it's unlikely.
Oh, and to answer your question about "Fear No Darkness," yes, this does take place ten years after that story. So you can safely assume that Elrohir survives FND (although "survives" is such a relative term). I stated somewhere else that both Elladan and Elrohir live, so don't worry about them TOO much.
elf-girl
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 9: Into the Dark Unkown
please update soon. I'm anxious to know how would this story finish.
Author's reply
Believe it or not, the next chapter is actually halfway done. So it shouldn't be *too* long before we see an update!
Danielle
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 9: Into the Dark Unkown
loving the story i thought u had given up on the story as it was a long time beofre u updated.Aragorn's, Eomer and Arwen i went to see more of them as i love that part of the story.Keep up the good work and hope u update soon plez
Author's reply
No, I certainly hadn't given up on this story. Updates might take a long time, but I've invested too much into these things to give up on them now. There are rather lengthy sections already written out that have yet to appear, and I need to work them in. So hang in there. I'm not the fastest writer, but I do get around to things eventually!
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 1 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Into the Dark Unkown
Great chapter, Thundera! I know you are away, but I am going to leave a review anyway-a nice treat for when you return.
That was a very funny chapter. Elfwine is absolutely adorable. He acts much older, though, than his nine years of age. Perhaps his parentage is a factor? It will be interesting to read about his persuasion of the healers. Poor thing, it will be a bit of a shock once he realizes what had happened to his father.
Have I said how happy I am that Imrahil found Merry? Once Merry recovers he should be very grateful to the Prince of Dol Amroth. I thought the pounding he heard on the wall was his headache-but apparently it was Legolas! And there's another problem. Those two wandering the passageways seperately is not a good idea, as Gimli belatedly realized. I wonder who will win the contest? I am guessing that neither shall, and Aragorn will discover where his son had been all day after all.
I hope you enjoy(ed) your well deserved vacation! Keep writing and I can't wait for an update!
Author's reply
Many thanks for the treat to return to. Loved it!
Ah, Elfwine. Yes, I realized about halfway through writing the chapter that I'd made him sound much older than nine, but he is the crown-prince and it's my belief that the Rohirrim learn to grow up quickly. On the subject of Legolas and Gimli, your prediction of the outcome of their contest is dead on. Aragorn's involvement, though...well, let's just say that he's going to have other things to worry about. Things that aren't even related to Eomer and Arwen.
Hiro-tyre
· 29 June 2004
· Chapter 9: Into the Dark Unkown
I have a document containing the most amusing quotes that I have ever read in fanfiction saved to both my school and home computers. This story has by far the most entries on the list. I love you, Thundera-sama. The brilliance of your brain is quite blinding. One thing in particular that I admire? Many fics portray Gimli as becoming more elvish. You portray Legolas as becoming more dwarvish. I dearly love this.
Author's reply
*beams* Really? That makes me warm and tingly all over. I got into your quote list. Yea! I actually keep a quote list of my own for amusing quotes from movies, tv, novels, and fanfiction, so to end up on someone else's is quite an honor. Thank you! As for Legolas becoming dwarvish, it struck me as a natural step. Gimli had to adapt in order to become friends with Legolas, and it stands to reason that the reverse was also true.
fadagaski
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 9: Into the Dark Unkown
Heehee! I love this story, because it makes me laugh in a subtle way - not like a great honking over-blown parody, if you see what I mean? So between Merry's drunken meanderings and the fight between Gimli and Legolas, I've been quietly chuckling away. Hooray for new chapters!
I can feasibly see both Legolas becoming utterly lost, and him reaching the nursery before Gimli. And standing there like a bemused cat that just got into the cream. Hehehe.
I want to see what Aragorm will make of Elfwine. And what Elfwine will make of his father. Heehee!
(Have a nice holiday!)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your compliments about the type of humor. There are plenty of parodies out there and some of them are outlandishly funny (Bryn, CNell, Cassie, and Kielle come to mind as excellent parody writers) but to my mind, the genre is slightly overdone. And some of the parodies are just inane. So I wanted to try a more realistic kind of humor. It's exagerated a bit, I'll give you that, but I really wanted something that could almost fit into canon if one gave it a good push.
As for Legolas and Gimli, the outcome of their little race might surprise you. I know it surprised me when I was still working out the story's outline. And Elfwine still has a ways to go before he ever reaches the Houses of Healing.
Elena Tiriel
· 26 June 2004
· Chapter 9: Into the Dark Unkown
Oh, Thundera, this is just hilarious! How do you keep all the threads straight? I'm having a hard time -- oh, wait, maybe it's the fumes from the Elven wine?
LOL! And Eowyn with the Rider holding the gelding tool... still grinning from that!
Hope all is well with you, and thanks for such a funny story!
- Barbara
Author's reply
The threads are kept straight through means of a very large, very strict outline. Otherwise this story would go completely nuts. Well, not that it isn't already, but you get my meaning... Anyway, keep away from that elven wine. You'll want to be awake for what's coming next. Thanks for the review!
danielle
· 19 April 2004
· Chapter 8: Spurned Desires
When are you going to update its been months and i really want to read more of this story
Author's reply
My apologies. I'm currently working on several projects, some of which aren't connected to fanfiction at all and some of which are, and it's taking me some time to get back around to certain fics. I haven't abandoned it, I can promise you that. It's just taking a while, so please be patient with me! And once again, I am sorry! I really do feel bad about making people wait.
fliewatuet
· 12 March 2004
· Chapter 8: Spurned Desires
Again, I loved every bit of that story. Aragorn's continuing dark mood (someone has to give him a thorough shake or whatever is necessary that his sense of humour finds its way back), Éowyn's annoyance at Aragorn for drugging her brother, Arwen's amusement, the Rohirric sense of humour, Imrahil being stuck with a drunken Hobbit (yes, I see what you meant with 'unusual partnerships'), the brothers El going to find our what happened to their horses ... much potential for further mischief. Though if poor Aragorn will find out that his son has escaped his assigned guardians he will explode (especially if he finds out who his new guardians are ...)
You see, I still enjoy the story and I have no worries that I will continue to do so.
fliewatuet
Author's reply
Ah, the potential for trouble looms large, but I think people may be surprised by what starts happening next. You see, not even the obviously planned can be expected to turn out aright. At least, that's my thinking for this fic. Ah well. But I am in total agreement that Aragorn needs a good shake. And he'll get it eventually, but for the moment, he's stuck dealing with a rather infatuated Rohirric king. As for unusual partnerships...well, they're going to abound in this fic. War makes for strange bedfellows, after all, and we'll see that more and more as the fic goes on.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 28 February 2004
· Chapter 8: Spurned Desires
Sorry it's me again-just a mistake I wanted to point out. In the sixth paragraph of the third little "section" of this chapter there's a missing word. The original is: "There were only a few places in which one could obtain in the Citadel, and the Tower’s butteries seemed the most logical of these as they were the only area in which servants and guards were still working today." But it is never said exactly what one could obtain. I think the missing word is "food" but I could be wrong. Just letting you know. Please update and keep writing!
Author's reply
Yup, you caught me. Thanks for pointing it out. I'll change it when the next chapter comes out.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 28 February 2004
· Chapter 8: Spurned Desires
Ai me, *wipes tears from eyes* that was funny. That was very funny. I especially liked the beginning with the paragraph about Hobbit speed. Hee hee. Imrahil is a very funny character. In denial about his aging! Hee! Cheers for Pippin, this might actually work out in the end. Poor Merry, thank god Imrahil found him. That's a funny thought, though, Merry and Prince Imrahil totally drunk lying in a pool of Elven wine. I still can't believe this fic was updated...amazing. I wonder if any of your other masterpieces might meet with the same fate? Keep writing, and remember to update what you write. Your poor readers can't handle (how many fics is it, three of four?) cliffhangers at the same time. Have pity on us. At least send us some wine...Elven wine.Hee! Cheers.
Author's reply
Well, don't get your hopes up about Pippin. We'll see that in the end, very little actually works out. And yes, my other stories will be updated eventually. Not in the immediate future, unfortunately, but eventually they will get new chapters. But you're more than welcome to whatever elven wine is available in the storerooms beneath the palace. No one's down there right now, though that will change after a bit.
danni
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 8: Spurned Desires
Yay you updated.Great chapter.Cant wait to read more
Author's reply
Thank you! I'll try to update a little faster in the future.
anso
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 8: Spurned Desires
Yay! You updated! I was so anxious to know what happend to the hobbits. And now I do. Please update soon again.
Author's reply
A hobbit lover, huh? Well, you'll be pleased to know that the hobbits aren't quite finished yet. They've still got to find food, after all, although Merry is rather bloated from all that wine. Still, it's probably not the same as solid food.
Love your drunken Merry! I am very glad that he didn't set fire to everything. I am enjoying this one very much! Lots of fun!
Author's reply
Nah, we can't have Merry setting fire to things this early in the day. There are far too many other things that need doing first. Then we'll start playing with the matches again.
SoundofHorns
· 9 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
I hope you continue this story, it's very good!
Author's reply
Rest assured that I will definitely continue this story! Thanks for the encouragement and I hope you can stand the wait for the next chapter.
danni
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
I love this story it is so funny.I hope to see more about Eomers sudden love for arwen.Aragorn does not look to happy with eomers.i hope you are going to do another chapter soon as this is a good story
Author's reply
The conflict between Eomer and Aragorn will continue, but it's not going to really come into play until later. Then we'll see just how much mischief that gang at the Houses of Healing is capable of.
k8kat7@aol.com
· 6 January 2004
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
Great story! I particulary enjoy Eldarion. He is very funny.
Author's reply
I'm fond of the crown-prince, too. Sweet, innocent, and absolutely demanding. He's probably a trifle spoiled, though I'm sure that Aragorn and Arwen will break him of that soon. They're too wise to really spoil him for good. But for the moment, he's in that demanding stage of life when everything really ought to go his way.
Littlefish
· 3 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
Ack!! A thousand apologies for taking so long to review. I actually read this chapter quite a while ago, but time restraints have kept me from reviewing. Sorry. It truly was a wonderful chapter! It provided just the kicks and giggles I needed at the time, so thanks!!
I love the picture of a drunk Merry! Oh, this is just so hilarious. I only hope the inebriated hobbit won't end up burning down the Citidel. That wouldn't be good!! Perhaps now that he is drunk he will find a way to get into the store room. I am beginning to feel for the poor hobbit. That really was cruel of Arwen! *Littlefish glances at watch to see how long before dinner* Of course, I probably wouldn't be as sympathetic to Merry if I wasn't hungry at the moment. ^_^ Oh well. While you were describing him rocking those barrels, I just couldn't get the image of a squashed hobbit out of my mind. I thought for sure he was going to roll one of those things right on top of himself. Now that would have been funny to the orcish side of my humor!! Okay, so Merry has decided to throw everything to the wind and get drunk!! You go boy! Just don't call me in the morning when you are too sick to move!
Oh, and I am seeing two other characters who are going to be in need of medical help come morning! Poor Gimli and Legolas. Aragorn is going to KILL them when he finds out they have lost his son! And if he doesn't, Arwen probably will. However, I can't help but feel that it somewhat serves Aragorn right for forcing Eldarion on them when they just wanted to have a little fun! Really, Aragorn is somewhat of a party pooper!! Well, the search for the boy continues, and Legolas and Gimli are about to head into the secret passageways of the palace. Poor Gimli and Legolas. Actually, Gimli will probably have the time of his life, and it will just be Legolas who is miserable. Heehee. A miserable elf is an irratable elf. I can't wait to see what comes of this!
Elladan and Elrohir have found Elldarion. However, I somehow get the idea that they have bitten off more than they can chew. Ahhh, I can just foresee some rather hilarious twist coming. This is so fun!!! I can't wait until you update again. I want to see how everything turns out!
Author's reply
No, you deserve a thousand apologies from me for taking so long to get back to you. The nice thing about Stories of Arda is that I can respond to reviews instantly. So, of course, I don't. Sigh.
Anyway, I'm so glad you like this story. It's difficult to write a fic based entirely on humor, but I think it's proving worthwhile. And keep that macabre sense of humor in check! Merry getting squished by a barrel would not be a good thing. Anyway, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy orcish humor later.
Yes, a miserable elf is definitely an irritable elf, and Gimli is going to find that out the hard way. Poor dwarf. Anyway, both elf and dwarf are actually going to wiggle out of this situation without too much of a problem. It's future situations that are really going to give them trouble. That goes for E&E&E. They're all more or less in trouble. Well, Eldarion isn't, actually. He's just along for the ride and he's going to enjoy it for all it's worth. I know I would.
Elanial
· 29 September 2003
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
Oh, the hilarity! The sheer amusement of it all! Definitely a piece worth reading... It gave me an excellent laugh for the day!
I loved, absolutely loved, your description of the infamous pout. It was priceless. And it just made it even better that the twins have been around for thousands of years, and they have had to deal with that pout since Arahael. I was just giggling so hard. Honestly couldn't stop. Ah...
And Merry was quite amusing drunk too...
I would love to hear more about Eomer and Arwen too, though. That's my favorite line so far, though Elladan and Elrohir chasing the young crown prince has definitely tied with it after that pout...
Please update soon! Please!
~Elanial
PS- UPDATE! IF YOU DON'T, I'LL SEND THE NAZGUL OUT AFTER YOU!
Author's reply
No! Not the Nazgul! Thought I should warn you that Khamul and I are fairly good friends, so maybe he can sway some of the Nine to look the other way.
I felt like I was stepping out on a limb with the idea of the pout, but I enjoyed it and thought it worth the risk. It feels a bit contrived and a bit exaggerated, but so many things in this fic already are that I decided one more wouldn't hurt too much. And enough people have enjoyed it that I've decided it was a good thing. I think it's something that will even be pursued later in the fic.
Arwen and Eomer will definitely get more involved as the fic goes on, but a few other things need to be set up first. And then they'll definitely become important players.
Nilmandra
· 22 September 2003
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
This entire chapter was hilarious! Merry in the wine - drunk hobbit soon to be on the loose - or perhaps the floor.
Legolas and Gimli banter is always good - and how stubborn is this elf! He will go into tight passages after seeing seagulls - two tortures in one day!
And the twins were icing on the cake. The whole pout description - and thinking that the elves of Rivendell dealt with it on regular basis as the fostered the heirs of Isildur - and that Eldarion used it on Uncle Elladan. And Elrohir is great - I love him torturing his brother. He somehow has to make up for not being ruler :)
I like those little details - the names of a chieftain to Merry's pain on the anniversary of the Pelennor Fields. These are fun loving elves hobbits, but they are ones who have suffered and lived through terrible circumstances too.
Author's reply
Legolas's fortitude is certainly something to be reckoned with, and that will become more obvious as the fic continues. And yes, I believe that Elrohir is more than justified in tormenting his brother. After all, Elladan did his own fair share of tormenting earlier when they were making their way up to the Citadel. And as for including the little details and the moments of pain, I think life hands out pleasure and drama together. You can't have a situation without both, no matter how hard you try. And I try to keep the fics true to that. So thanks so much for noticing and for approving. That makes me feel better!
fliewatuet
· 22 September 2003
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
I don't really understand why I didn't leave a review for this hilarious story much earlier. But I do so now! I love it. I loved Éomer's sudden, head-injury induced crush for Arwen, Aragorn's panic over the possible pranks the Elves might think of, the Hobbits' anger at finding themselves at the receiving end of a prank by the Queen of Gondor herself (and one including food ... or rather excluding it ... ), Eldarion's expertise at hiding, Elfhelm's request for the gelding irons ...
And now Gimli and Legolas set off exploring the hidden passages of the Citadel (and I bet Legolas loves every minute of that experience ;-)), Merry indulges in elven wine (I fear he will end up with a headache to match Éomer's), Elladan and Elrohir are about to find out what mischief their horses got into (after they are done discussing the heirs of Isildur's skill at pouting). I don't envy Aragorn as he's the one who is (or rather thinks that he is) responsible for all that chaos.
And, of course, I wonder what disasters will occur next ...
Author's reply
Oh, don't worry about not leaving a review until now. I haven't responded until now. I'm really bad about things like that.
There is a lot going on in this fic, isn't there? But believe it or not, it's only going to get more complex. At least, that's what the outline says. And we're going to be teaming people up with one another left and right. Actually, one of the best things of this fic is the unusual partnerships that are going to result. War makes for strange bedfellows, and this is no exception. So thanks for joining us on this wild ride and I hope you continue to enjoy!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 22 September 2003
· Chapter 7: Detours of the Unforeseen Variety
It's wonderful to see an update at last! This chapter is great - I love the way Elladan and Elrohir are so caring of Merry when he suffers from his memories of the Nazgul, and the implication that they have their own dark memories - they have, after all, lived through a lot.
I also like the fact that Elladan is 'technically' Lord of Imladris - but that Elrohir doesn't recognize that; and the byplay between the twins when they have Eldarion. I love twin rivalry!
But poor Legolas: claustrophobic, and not wanting to admit it.
I've come to the conclusion that I prefer the twins even to Legolas - there is so much scope for brotherly rivalry and angst!
Jay
Author's reply
What's not to love about the twins? Amazing characters, really, and sorely underdeveloped. Even in the fanfic world. Anyway, I'm so happy you like the twins and their brotherly rivalry. I'm trying very hard to make them identical and yet different, as well as to keep them brothers but also competitive. Because I think there's quite a bit of room for competitiveness in Rivendell. Yet they're not all fun and games because we're also talking about two brothers who found their mother so terribly wounded that not even Elrond could fully heal her and she was forced to leave Middle-earth. In other words, they've seen a much darker side of life and they've had to cope with that ever since.
As for Legolas's claustrophobia, just wait. It might be contagious.
Shireling
· 1 September 2003
· Chapter 6: Division Within the Ranks
I'm not quite sure how you manage to juggle all the strands of this story but you are doing a great job!!!
I do hope Aragorn find his missing sense of humour-he is altogether too serious. Perhaps he has a joke or two up his sleeve!!!
Helen/shireling
Author's reply
Ooo, I get to try out this new review responder thing. Very exciting. And you get to be the first one I try it out on! Aren't you excited?
Anyway, thanks so much for the review, and to be honest, I'm not sure how I keep all the strands of this story separate, either. Fortunately, they're all going to mesh together in the end, and that helps. Everybody is more or less heading to the same place. Kind of. They're just all taking different ways to get there.
As for Aragorn...the poor guy. He's stuck with the kingship when he'd like nothing more than to solidly pummel a few individuals. But don't worry. His sense of humor will return after a bit, and in the end, one could almost say that he gets the last laugh. But I can't reveal any more than that.