purrlin
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 26: Sun and Shadows
Ok Im going to eb a bit eomerish I think here.
Am I obtuse or is there a reason that they didn't turn Legolas's horse loose to find him?
Maybe I should just be quiet and track the political situation somemore. :)
Personally I wish you didn't add the lists of who's who at the end of the chapters. If the story is truely captivating then placed in one spot is surely enough. Besides I'm starting to feel that I'm being robbed of more story that this space fits (even though I know this is not true) :)
This is certainly an interesting and captivating story I have paced myself and refused to read it for the longest time so that I might read it in its entirity. But alas I have failed and couldn't wait any longer. I'm truely hoping that I get closer to the end at the same time as you do.
I love the desert politics! Heres hoping that Eomer and Aragorn learn from it when they return to their own realms.
Mmmm no female characters. Obviously Harad keep their women hidden. That doesn't mean subservient or quiet though.
Thank you again for a good read.
purrlin
Author's reply
Be as eomerish as you want. Personally, I think every story should have someone from Rohan in it. They're fiesty. Gotta love the Rohirrim.
Anyway, as talented and skilled as elven horses are, they're not bloodhounds. At least, not to my mind. With nothing to go on, Faensul would probably just run blindly around the desert until he collapsed from heat exhaustion and died. Which is not what I want him to do. And it's not what Aragorn and Eomer want him to do, so they haven't turned him loose to find Legolas. And in some dim way, Faensul also understands that he can't find Legolas on his own. He needs some kind of sign.
As for those lists...I understand your concerns. I really do. Unfortunately, I'm something of a slow updater and to make it easier for readers, the character lists tend to show up with every new chapter simply because the last chapter showed up so long ago. And I've had too many requests for character lists to ignore them.
Anyway, thank you very much for your review and your questions. I love it when people raise issues because it means they care enough to point out flaws. Thank you! And continue to pace yourself because while the end of this story is in sight, it's not close enough to grab just yet. Thanks again!
Kal
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 35: Fractals
The character list at the top helped a lot; thank you for putting it there! As usual, a very interesting, engaging chapter. Woah... time out... why did I SO miss Bron being killed? I vaguely remember his name... sorta... eh, I probably need to reread the story (not that I mind; I'm loving it!)! Will be obsessively checking lj for notes on an update.
Author's reply
Bron was a character who showed up early in the fic. He himself is not especially important, but his tribal connections are. If you're curious, he died in Chapter 9. Chapter 8 gives some of the more important information about Bron and the Portu tribe, though that information will be reviewed in Chapter 36. (Which has yet to appear.) Anyway, thanks so much for the review and I'm glad the character list helped. I realize that there is probably too much time between updates for people to track these characters, so it's good to know that something is working. Thanks again!
Lera
· 14 February 2004
· Chapter 35: Fractals
I am so thrilled to see an update to this story! When I read your promise of an update by Saturday, I started counting down the days. I hope Aragorn's hearing is not an indication of really serious inguries. I'm not really sure what to say about this chapter, except I can't wait for the next one.
Author's reply
Hey Lera!
Nah, Aragorn's head injury is not really serious. Just inconvenient. The arm is another matter, but we'll get into that later. As for waiting for the next chapter...well, I'm working on it. Does that count?
Lera
· 16 January 2004
· Chapter 25: Parts of Pieces
Oh, this is driving me crazy! The politics you've worked out for this story are amazing. My brain hurts just thinking about figuring out all the twists and knots in this land!
And I'm almost as frustrated as Aragorn and Eomer over what's happening. Why would the Khurintu abduct Legolas and Gimli? Were they just convenient heralds of doom? I mean since they obviously have a big part to play in this whole evil plot, did the Khurintu tribe know beforehand that the elf and dwarf would be traveling with Gondor and Rohan?
And if Gondor and Rohan pulling out would be seen by the other tribes as weak, then isn't Khurintu pulling out seen as weak? Khurintu claims they want no part in the destroyer's wrath, so aren't they siding with him? Maybe the other tribes were supposed to be distracted and worried about the raid that they aren't worrying about that?
I don't understand Asbad and Dashnir's purpose in removing their tribe from the gathering. Why was the Khurintu's camp attacked? I thought at first that the only reason for that was so they would be spared the wrath. The wrath which of course was wrought by them! Ahhhhhh!
It seems like they would want to turn the other tribes against Gondor and Rohan so they'd be thrown out. Of course, that wouldn't really aid the Khurintu in their quest for diminion over all. Maybe they will turn the other tribes against Gondor and Rohan, but want to destroy Gondor and Rohan themselves personally. This would be seen as a great power and would sort of help them on their ladder to power. But only if the other tribes' powers were diminished substantionally.
Oh, you're killing me here!
One more thing: where did you come up with the name "Shade" for Eomer's horse?
Author's reply
Oh, so many questions! Where to start...
Well, let's begin with your first question. Khurintu abducted Legolas and Gimli for different reasons. Gimli was meant to be a display of power to the other tribes. Khurintu wanted to use him to show that they held power over the agents of the Iluh. They abducted Legolas so they could hand him over to Umbar, who needs a live elf for an experiment they're running.
No, Khurintu didn't know Legolas and Gimli would be traveling with Gondor and Rohan. When they learned of this, they rearranged some of their plans and switched things up a bit.
Pulling out on the part of Gondor and Rohan would be seen as weak because they're foreigners and really don't have an obligation to be there. They would leave because they lacked courage. Khurintu does have an obligation to be at the Gathering, so pulling out on their part is seen as arrogant presumption. They hope to turn this arrogant presumption into authority, power, and foresight in the eyes of the other tribes.
Khurintu wants no part of the Destroyer's wrath because the Destroyer is sent against tribes that have broken desert laws and brought dishonor upon themselves. Khurintu wants to maintain its honor and uphold traditional desert laws. At least, that's what they want everyone to think they're doing.
Khurintu's camp was attacked in the raid so that no one would be suspicious about them.
And last but not least, the name for Eomer's horse comes from the horse's color, which is a dark gray. Shade.
Thanks so much for the review and I hope you can get things sorted out in your mind!!!
Caddy de La Bris
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 34: Coming Together
Dear Thundera!
I am a new fanfictin reader (almost 41 years old, but I have heard from my daugher). The Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite books and unfortunately - like the author said some times ago - it is too short. So I am looking for good story that could be happend before, between or after the original ones.
And on every fanfictin-site I met you and your very nice stories.
"Unfortunately" ist your story about "Land of Light and Shadows" one of my favourite stories and I am looking always for an update - but there is none.
So I am asking: are you tired of this story? I hope not.
It would be wonderfull if there will be further chapters - in near future.
Thanks a lot for the amusement you made to me.
Kind regards, Caddy
Post Scriptum: Sorry for my bad English, but it is not my mother speech.
Author's reply
Hey Caddy!
I am definitely not tired of this story. It's one of my favorites and I'm working on it steadily, but a computer crash left me reeling and without Internet. So everything related to writing went on hold. But I'm back now, so there will be an update soon, I promise! Just hold on until then.
Littlefish
· 18 September 2003
· Chapter 34: Coming Together
Another great chapter to an awesome story!! I am so excited for the finale of this tale. Your writing has such an addictive quality about it, that I actually go through a small phase of depression after reaching the end of each chapter. I wish it could just keep going on and on... ^_^ You are the uncontested queen of angst, action, and suspense. You also excel at humor and h/c, as seen in the last chapter. Oh, and you have absolutely no reason to worry about writing h/c scenes. You did great, and I can't wait for more...and more...and more...and, well, you get the point!
Ha!! Stupid Asbad was suffering from the backlash of his spell on Legolas, and he didn't even realize it! His conversation with Dashnir was very revealing. I take it that the reason the corsairs wanted Legolas was because they are planning an attack on Ithilien. Do they hope to get information from him, or just use him as a hostage to get what they want from his people? Either case offers up several interesting possibilities. And I take it Gimli was going to be used in some demonstration of power to the other tribes. Well, they will have to find him first, and after that, they will have to get past Legolas. Ha! Like that will happen. Personally, I don't think Dashnir is going to be able to find them in time, and even if he does, he will fail in his task. I can't wait to read what happens then...
Well, I didn't get a chance to say everything I wanted, but I must go now! Once again, this chapter was great. I hope to see another update soon!
Author's reply
You've got the reasons for Legolas and Gimli down pretty well. Gimli was indeed meant as a demonstration, and Umbar is planning to overthrow Ithilien. However, Legolas's involvement in the entire thing is going to remain something of a mystery until the sequel comes out. Which shouldn't be *too* far away, I guess. And I'm so glad you like my h/c scenes. I love to write them, but they're the scenes that really frighten me because I'm afraid I'll go too far one way or another. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
And it's come to my attention that you've got a new story out. Give me a few days and I'll give start reviewing!
bryn
· 15 September 2003
· Chapter 34: Coming Together
Oh happy day! A Thundera update!!! *grins from ear to ear*
The last chapter had me gripping the edges of my seat. You portrayed both Gimli and Legolas' pain so vividly. *shudder* How fitting that Gimli would endure the physical pain, while Legolas endures the emotional. Very true to the nature of their characters, indeed.
I feel no pity for Asbad whatsoever. For one so sneaky and so arrogantly sure of his success, I hope the latest developments serve as a good slap in the face. Oh sure, blame it on the Dwarf. *snort* It's your own short-sightedness, Asbad.
I sincerely hope Gimli and Legolas don't find themselves in Asbad's hands again. Something tells me he won't be played to easily a second time. "Once burned..."
*wince* Now would be a good time for Imrahil to show up, I think.
What DID Legolas' song do to them? Is he somehow interfering with the Shadow's influence, even though he himself is beneath it. It's quite an interesting web you've got going. Positively fascinating.
Oooh, what caught Arabano's eye?
The suspense is killing me!!! :)
Author's reply
Hold on to your seat, Bryn. I promise you'll know what caught Arabano's eye in a few days time. That is, if you're even still interested in finding out. I realize it's been an incredibly long time since I last updated, but hopefully some people are still somewhat curious.
As for Asbad, he'll get his in the end. I can promise you that.
Alisha B
· 15 September 2003
· Chapter 34: Coming Together
AH! What an awful place to leave it!! I've followed this story for a few chapters on ff.net and am slowly making the switch over here. What a place to end it!! I left you a monster review before so you know how much I'm enjoying this story!
For a moment, I really did think that they'd leave Legolas and Gimli alone... But of course not. These are smart people and know better then to assume someone's dead. Too bad though. Hopefully Legolas and Gimli will be able to hide or something. I guess I'll have to wait and find out!!
It's great that we're finding out more and more about what the Khurintu are up to. For the longest time, we had to guess just as much as the good guys! And usually I just felt stupid because Aragorn and Eomer were figuring it out and I wasn't! Which I suppose is a good thing. Those two guys should be smarter then just about everyone! It'd be a really high complement if I could guess correctly! Alright, I'm not too upset about it anymore. *G*
I only have one suggestion. (which you are kind of doing anyway) Since you have SO MANY original characters/places/tribes, it would be a huge help to the reader if, in the story, you could remind us who is on who's side. You know, just add little comments in sentences to remind us. It's great, the list you have at the bottom of the page, but for a while I was having a hard time remembering who was the bad guy and who was friends of Gondor and Rohan. Like I said, though, this chapter did it well enough, but for future reference! It just makes it easier if you don't have to think TOO much remembering who everyone is.
Okay, this has gotten a little longer then I wanted, so I guess I should end it here! I can't wait for your next chapter! Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
I understand where you suggestion is coming from, and it's a very valid concern about the original characters. But I hesitate to put sidebars in the middle of the story as I think it disrupts the flow. So in future chapters I'm going to put that character list at the top of the story. That way, people can be reminded of who is who before they even begin the chapter. Think that will help?
As for finding things out, everything will be revealed steadily from here on out until the end, where only a few strings will be left loose to set the stage for the sequel. I know, this story is long enough without adding something else on to it. But I've got to give Umbar its fair share, so it's getting its own story after this one. But thank you so much for the reviews! I remember the long one you left over at ff.net and I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much and I hope you continue to enjoy!
Lamiel
· 15 September 2003
· Chapter 34: Coming Together
The intricacies of this plot amaze me. All through the first part of this chapter I was thinking, "oh, so THAT'S why they did that"--all the things that confused me: why they left Gimli alive, why they wanted Legolas so badly, why they put Legolas under the shadow and then removed it again--everything made sense when viewed from the baddies' perspective. Incredibly twisted, creative, and original. I never know what's going to happen next.
Like this cliff-hanger. What did Arabano see?! What's going to happen? How will Legolas get Gimli through the day? Oh, please, please come back to this one soon! I know you have a ton of other things claiming your time and creative energies, but this is such a good story, and so worth all the effort you put into it. Like your exploration of the Rohirric language--truly an effort worthy of the Professor himself. Marvelous.
Brilliant job, as always--well written, complex, intriguing, and with a plot twist that's going to drive me crazy. Thank you.
Lamiel
Author's reply
This is such a belated reply to your review that I'm extremely embarrassed. But better late than never, I suppose. Anyway, I'm glad things are coming together for you. That should happen from now on because we're in the process of the great wrap-up before the end (plus we'll hit the climax sometime soon, too). And I'm so glad you appreciate this story, because that does make the effort worth all the while. Thanks so much and I hope you continue to enjoy!